Slashdot Mirror
New Targeted E-mail Attack Hits Business Execs
Erik Larkin writes "The same scammers who have been sending out the faked but highly convincing BBB and IRS e-mails are now targeting named victims with a new variety of e-mail that looks like a business invoice. Our editor-in-chief was sent one here at PC World."
Finally, a profitable application of the peter principle.
Beep beep.
No, no it isn't easy to spot.
Not if either of two conditions apply.
1: You are an idiot with computers.
2: The default 'do not show file extensions for known file types' is on for explorer.
Whoever thought that last was a good plan should have been shot. Without file extensions visible, people can simply not realise that they are about to run an executable. Plus some wouldn't know all the many executable file extensions for windows anyway.
As a small business owner, I can attest to the fact that many of my clients will blindly pay the bills I send them, without questioning a thing. I service their computers throughout the month, racking up between 10 and 30 hours, and then send them a bill that simply says "30 hours service * $60.00 / hour" and they pay it. I have never been asked to explain myself. I can probably make up whatever numbers I want.
I was wondering how long before the crooks realized that most businessmen do not have the time or patience to study their bills.
1: You are an idiot with computers.
2: The default 'do not show file extensions for known file types' is on for explorer.
But these are the same people who click "Allow" when their software firewall says "H4xoR!tR0jun.exe is attempting to access the Internet, install a malicious script, steal your personal information and have sex with your wife until she screams like a deaf girl. Permit or Allow?" There is no way to protect these people and still have their computers be useful/enjoyable for them.