Security Corner – E-Mail Scams Target CEOs, Owners and Other High Level Executives

Many business owners, CEOs, and upper-level employees have been bombarded with professionally written email campaigns that are pure scams. Recently we have received some of these ourselves.

For example, we received one that included an attached document named proforma_invoice.doc. The message included a description of the invoice, a request for an evaluation and a reply, and a physical address in Fullerton.

This is the latest phishing technique. It looks legitimate, with correct names and flawless grammar and spelling.

These criminals select their targets carefully, do their homework, and hope to get a good return for their efforts. They target individuals who may offer a big payoff, and put in the extra effort to increase the chances of fooling someone.

These emails will try to trick you into downloading an attachment. Then trojans and other malware can steal sensitive information from your system. In addition to bills and invoices, fake emails have come disguised as complaints from the Better Business Bureau and IRS investigations.

In some cases the attachment itself is a harmless document, but contains an icon which activates spyware when you click on it. Don't bet that your anti- virus software will catch it--these tricks are still new and are likely to foil your software.

If you receive email scams, report them to the Federal Trade Commission by forwarding the message to mailto:uce@ftc.gov.

This may be a new cyber hassle that we'll all have to live with. Be wary of any attachments or links from sources you can't positively identify. Use the best security you can get, but never expect it to replace common sense.

About Brent Whitfield

Brent Whitfield is CEO of DCG Technical Solutions, Inc., which provides IT Support in the Los Angeles area since 1993. DCG exists to help our clients choose, implement, and manage IT and cloud solutions that are cost effective and reliable. DCG's pro-active approach to IT is ideally suited for companies who depend on reliable IT infrastructure, but don't want to spend a lot of money to keep it that way. DCG was recognized among the Top 10 Fastest Growing MSPs in North America by MSP Mentor. Brent has been featured in Fast Company, CNBC, Network Computing, Reuters, and Yahoo Business.