Beware Internet Scams In the Boston Bombing Aftermath

The following guideline was published by the Village of Glenview and offers advice relevant to anyone considering showing support for Boston.

Internet watch groups and cyber security experts have already identified multiple fake domains/websites, and charity efforts taking advantage of the Boston Marathon bombing. Based on previous tragedies, more scams will follow in the coming days. Internet users need to apply a critical eye and conduct due diligence before clicking links, visiting websites, or making donations.

• Actors with unknown intentions registered over 125 domain names associated with the Boston Marathon bombings and victims, in the hours after the incident. The majority of these new domains use a combination of the words “Boston,” “Marathon,” “2013,” “bomb,” “explosions,” “attack,” “victims,” and “donate” and should be viewed with caution. More domains are likely to follow.
• Malicious actors are using social networking websites to spread hoaxes, including information regarding the purported death of several child runners (children are not allowed to participate in the Boston Marathon), and injured runners purportedly running for a variety of charities and causes.
• Phishing emails may provide links to malicious websites purporting to contain information, pictures, and video, or may contain attachments with embedded malware. Clicking on the links or opening the attachments can infect the victim’s computer to further malicious activity.
• Multiple fake charities were created on social networking websites within minutes of the explosions purporting to collect funds for victims. Traditionally, these websites are scams.
  

The Action: Users should adhere to the following guidelines when reacting to large news events, including news associated with the Boston Marathon bombing, and solicitations for donations:

• Be cautious of emails/websites that claim to provide information because they may contain viruses.
• Do not open unsolicited (spam) emails, or click on the links/attachments contained in those messages.
• Never reveal personal or financial information in email.
• Do not go to untrusted or unfamiliar websites to view the event or information regarding it.
• Never send sensitive information over the Internet before checking a website's security and confirming its legitimacy. Malicious websites may look identical to a legitimate site, but the URL may use a variation in spelling or a different domain (e.g., .com vs. .net)
  

For more information, please visit this site: http://www.cisecurity.org/CyberAdvisoryBoston.cfm 

Source: Center for Internet Security, Cyber Intel Advisory dated 16 Apr 2013