It is true that Internet security software and passwords cannot protect us from ourselves as evidenced by the recent FBI news alert about a new malware financial theft scam called “Gameover” - which focuses on banking accounts.
The “Gameover” malware is a Trojan that is downloaded when users respond to a bogus email appearing to come from the following sources: National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), the Federal Reserve Bank, or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) - which direct the user to websites with official sounding instructions to correct a “problem” with their account, and where once the user clicks to follow directions, the malware is downloaded.
The malware is appropriately called “Gameover” because once it’s on your computer, it can steal usernames and passwords and defeat common methods of user authentication employed by financial institutions. The malware then initiates denial of service (DDoS) events, which overwhelm the banking institutions with Internet traffic from multiple sources to create a distraction from the theft in progress.
Phil Taylor, owner of Professional Computing Services in Granite Bay, cautions parents and children to be more purposeful and less reactive on-line.
“Children need to understand they should not click on anything that is presented to them,” Taylor said, “Teach them to be discerning, and if you do not know the source then don’t respond. Seek assistance.”
Parent Resources
- The Authority In Me: Living Free in the Network Culture
- Professional Computer Services, Roseville and Granite Bay
- Sacramento FBI office
(Ref: 559-e)
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