Holiday Scams and Malware Campaigns

["US-CERT" <US-CERT () ncas us-cert gov>]

U.S. Department of Homeland Security US-CERT

National Cyber Awareness System:



Holiday Scams and Malware Campaigns [ 
https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/current-activity/2018/11/19/Holiday-Scams-and-Malware-Campaigns ] 11/19/2018 09:18 PM EST 
Original release date: November 19, 2018

As the holidays approach, NCCIC reminds users to be aware of seasonal scams and malware campaigns. Users should be 
cautious of unsolicited emails that contain malicious links or attachments with malware, advertisements infected with 
malware, and requests for donations from fraudulent charitable organizations, which could result in security breaches, 
identify theft, or financial loss.

NCCIC recommends the following actions:


  * Use caution when browsing the internet, shoppingonline [ https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST07-001 ], and using 
email. 
  * Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in unsolicited emails. See Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing 
Attacks [ https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-014 ] for more information. 
  * Be wary of fraudulent social media pleas, calls, texts, websites, and door-to-door solicitations for donations to 
charities. See How to Donate Wisely and Avoid Charity Scams [ 
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-donate-wisely-and-avoid-charity-scams ] for more information. 

If you believe you are a victim of a scam or malware campaign, consider the following actions:


  * Contact your financial institution immediately, and close any accounts that may have been compromised. Watch for 
any unexplainable charges to your account. See Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft [ 
https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST05-019 ] for more information. 
  * Immediately change any passwords you might have revealed. Avoid reusing passwords. See Choosing and Protecting 
Passwords [ https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-002 ] for more information. 
  * Report the attack to the police, and file reports with the Federal Trade Commission [ 
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1 ] and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center [ 
https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx ]. 
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