Spammers take aim at Christmas
Spammers are becoming increasingly clever and sophisticated in developing tactics to spread viruses, gain control of computers and encourage recipients to part with cash.
According to recently published research from content security firm Clearswift, phishing scams remain the spammers' most blatant use of social engineering.
As internet banking becomes more popular, phishing is becoming increasingly realistic in an attempt to exploit the lack of experience of many novice online bank users, Clearswift reported.
Although the study found that eBay cons are widespread, Citibank is still by far the biggest victim. Almost 50 per cent of mails in the 'scam' category are masquerading as communication from the US banking giant.
With Christmas around the corner, social engineering will come into its own, Clearswift warned. The firm predicts a rise in mails which specifically suggest the purchase of products as gifts for loved ones.
On a more sinister note, the report noted that the past two years have seen cyber-criminals use e-cards as a means of infiltrating Trojans onto desktops.
Employees are traditionally in a more relaxed mood as the festive season approaches, and organisations are advised to warn employees not to let their guard down.
