IRS Impersonation Attacks Spread Malware Nationwide

The Internal Revenue Service IRS is warning taxpayers about a snowballing email attack that uses messages pretending to be legitimate IRS communications. The end game for the effort is malware being installed on unsuspecting users’ machines; imposters may gain control of the taxpayer’s computer o...

IRS Warns of New Email Scam

The Internal Revenue Service IRS has issued a warning about a new email scam in which malicious cyber actors send unsolicited emails to taxpayers from fake i.e., spoofed IRS email addresses. The emails contain a link to a spoofed IRS.gov website that displays fake details about the targeted...

The lucrative business of Bitcoin sextortion scams (updated)

Update 2019-09-04: A new wave of sextortion emails purporting to have originated from a group of hackers called ChaosCC—a play on the legitimate European white hat hacking community, Chaos Computer Club CCC—has recently caught the attention of the security world. Below is a sample email we captur...

This Week in Security News: Ransomware Campaigns and Cryptocurrency Miners

Welcome to our weekly roundup, where we share what you need to know about the cybersecurity news and events that happened over the past few days. This week, learn about continuing cybersecurity attacks targeting small governments. Also, read how XDR, Trend Micro’s newest solution, is more...

QR code scam can clean out your bank account

“Excuse me sir, can I ask you for a favor? I want to pay for parking my car in this spot, but there are no machines around that accept cash. If I give you five dollars in cash, can you pay the parking for me? All you need to do is scan this QR code with your banking app.” Of course, John felt the...

A week in security (July 22 – 28)

Last week on Malwarebytes Labs, we offered an extensive analysis into the Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 investigation, updated users on the newest feature set to AdwCleaner 7.4.0 it now detects pre-installed software, and provided a deep dive into Phobos ransomware. We also broke down the latest...

Good Twitter Samaritans accidentally prevent shoeshine scam

A few days ago, Indian news portals were buzzing with tales of a well-worn shoeshine scam making its way into social media. It’s a great example of how good-natured gestures can unwittingly aid scammers when we combine high-visibility accounts with potential lack of fact checking. Thankfully, it...

Hackers Can Manipulate Media Files You Receive Via WhatsApp and Telegram

If you think that the media files you receive on your end-to-end encrypted secure messaging apps can not be tampered with, you need to think again. Security researchers at Symantec yesterday demonstrated multiple interesting attack scenarios against WhatsApp and Telegram Android apps, which could...

An Amazon Phishing Scam Hits Just in Time For Prime Day

Some deals are too good to be true, even on the most made-up holiday of all...

Steer clear of Bitcoin Cash generators

Here’s an interesting evolution on a well-worn scam, taking one profit generating fakeout and turning it into something else entirely. For years, gamers have been stuck navigating the treacherous waters of fake video game giveaways. With so many actual genuine gaming giveaways around, you’re neve...

Scammers Prey on Instagram Vanity and 'Verified Account' Status

UPDATE A new Instagram phishing scam circulating the internet lures victims in with promises of exclusive “verified account” status – and then makes away with their personal information. The scam centers around Instagram’s labeling of verified accounts, which indicates that the account user is a...

Person in Latex Mask Impersonated French Minister

Forget deep fakes. Someone wearing a latex mask fooled people on video calls for a period of two years, successfully scamming 80 million euros from rich French citizens...

DHS Email Phishing Scam

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA is aware of an email phishing scam that tricks users into clicking on malicious attachments that look like legitimate Department of Homeland Security DHS notifications. The email campaign uses a spoofed email address to appear like a...

A week in security (June 10 – 16)

Last week on Malwarebytes Labs, we revealed to readers the mindset of security pros as to why they lack confidence in their ability to prevent their organizations getting breached. We also reported on Maine Governor Janet Mills implementing the state’s own privacy protections, how Apple can bette...

Tricky Scam Plants Phishing Links in Your Google Calendar

Scammers are taking advantage of default calendar settings to try to trick users into clicking malicious links...

Employment Scam

Interesting story of an old-school remote-deposit capture fraud scam, wrapped up in a fake employment scam. Slashdot thread...

Tips for a Cyber Safe Vacation

As summer nears, many people will soon be taking vacations. When planning vacations, users should be aware of potential rental scams and “free” vacation ploys. Travelers should also keep in mind risks related to travelling with mobile devices. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency...

Avengers: Endgame Sites Promise Digital Downloads, Deliver Info-Harvesting

Marvel Studio’s long-awaited superhero juggernaut Avengers: Endgame, represents the second-largest worldwide box-office haul for any film, ever – raking in $2.2 billion in its first two weekends. With demand like that, perhaps it’s not surprising that enterprising scammers are already luring in...

News Wrap: Cartoon Network Hack, the Catholic Church and Jason Statham Scams

A slew of strange security news stories made headlines this week, from scams to hacks. The Threatpost team breaks down the top stories that made everyone scratch their heads, including: –Cartoon Network streaming websites being hacked to play Brazilian stripper videos. – A Catholic church in...

This Week in Security News: BEC Attacks and Botnet Malware

Welcome to our weekly roundup, where we share what you need to know about the cybersecurity news and events that happened over the past few days. This week, learn about the prevalence and impact of BEC attacks. Also, find out how botnet malware can perform remote code execution, DDoS attacks and...