Secure Computing warns

Jun 22, 2005 10:42 GMT  ·  By

You didn't think phishers would just remain silent observers to the biggest security breach in history and not take advantage of it in some way.

Today, the security company Secure Computing issued a warning to businesses and consumers to be on the lookout for suspicious e-mails purporting to come from MasterCard. The bogus e-mails from a fraudulent "phishing" site ask users to visit the phishing site and disclose their account information.

The e-mails began appearing within 24 hours of widespread news reports that up to 40 million MasterCard holders had been exposed to potential fraud, illustrating the speed with which phishing gangs move to exploit new vulnerabilities.

In the e-mail, recipients are told that some problems have showed up during a routine verification and that they have to supply their personal information to the address mentioned in the message.

"Bank customers and credit card holders should exercise extreme caution when responding to unsolicited e-mails that purport to be from financial institutions.", advises Stuart Rauch, director of product marketing for Secure Computing.

This how the e-mail looks like:

Dear User, During our regular update and verification of the accounts, we couldn't verify your current information. Either your information has changed or it is incomplete. If the account information is not updated to current information within 5 days then, your access will be restricted. Go to this link below or copy and paste it on your address tool bar. http://www.mastercard-new-register.com

Please Do Not Reply To This E-Mail As You Will Not Receive A Response

Thank you Accounts Management