Melbourne, 27 November 2008 – People are turning to e-cards as a low cost and eco-friendly way to deliver the season’s greetings to friends and loved ones.
Yet new research by global internet security firm AVG Technologies found that almost three quarters (74 per cent) of the people it polled said they would automatically open an e-card if it were from a friend or colleague.
The message, warns AVG, is to pick the e-cards you read very carefully.
“Criminals are using this growing medium to deliver viruses and other security threats to the computers of their unsuspecting victims. Because risky e-cards are typically made to look as though they have been sent from a trusted party, usually a friend or relative, they fool the recipient into opening them,” said Lloyd Borrett, Marketing Manager of AVG (AU/NZ).
E-cards are considered such a risk that in America the FBI has issued formal warnings, after fraudulent emails were sent in the name of the Deputy Director.
Research from AVG’s labs indicates an estimated 500 million e-cards and greetings will be sent online this Christmas.
If only 0.1% of e-greetings sent during this festive period contain a security threat – that’s still tens of thousands of damaged or compromised PCs. This many damaged PCs adds up to a great deal in terms of lost family photos and videos, lost work, and emails. Plus compromised PCs often become distributors of spam or their owners may become the targets of identity theft.
The good news is that these internet security threats can be avoided. Experts at AVG Technologies have compiled five tips so that internet users can send and receive e-cards with peace of mind.
1. Don’t open attachments: Most legitimate e-cards are links to the company’s website that allow you to go directly to your card. Avoid attachments and don’t download anything from a source you don’t recognise.
2. When in doubt, delete: If something looks a little strange or “phishy”, such as the name of the sender or vague subject lines, just delete the card. It’s better to do that than run the risk of getting a virus.
3. Know where you’re going online: Use security software* that detects and blocks web sites that push online scams, adware installations, attachments filled with viruses and other malicious downloads that could harm your system.
4. Know what to look for: While most e-card scams actually look legitimate, there are usually some tell-tale signs to look for. Watch out for misspelled words or names, not knowing who sent you the card, a disguised name (such as Your Friend, A Secret Admirer, etc.), and an odd web site address.
5. Always read fine print before accepting any terms: Make sure you actually read the fine print before agreeing to anything. Some e-card scams list in their terms that they can send email to everyone in your address book. Make sure you know what you are agreeing to.
*This doesn’t have to cost a cent: download AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.0 with LinkScanner technology here: www.avgfree.com.au
About AVG Technologies
AVG is a global security solutions leader protecting more than 85 million consumers and small business computer users in 167 countries from the ever-growing incidence of web threats, viruses, spam, cyber-scams and hackers on the Internet. Headquartered in Amsterdam, AVG has nearly two decades of experience in combating cyber crime and one of the most advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating Web-borne threats from around the world. Its free online, downloadable software model allows entry-level users to gain basic anti-virus protection and then to easily and inexpensively upgrade to greater levels of safety and defense in both single and multi-user environments.
About AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd — www.avg.com.au
Based in Melbourne, AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd is the Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific distributor of the AVG range of Anti-Virus and Internet Security products. AVG solutions provide comprehensive real-time protection against everything from viruses, spam, spyware, adware, worms, Trojans, phishing and exploits to cyber-criminals, hackers, scammers and identity thieves. AVG products actively protect more than 85 million users worldwide, providing outstanding technical solutions and exceptional value for home, small to medium business and enterprise clients. AVG provides always-on, always up-to-date protection across desktops, servers and email in the home plus corporations, government agencies, utilities and educational institutions.
AVG (AU/NZ) has over 2000 resellers across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
For more detailed information please contact:
Lloyd Borrett AVG (AU/NZ) 03 9581 0807
Shuna Boyd BoydPR 02 9418 8100
Media resources, including logos, box shots, screen shots etc., are available online at: www.avg.com.au/media