GSS Warns Firms to Be Aware of Disaster Phishing Scams

US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) Has Just Issued a Warning about the Email Appeals

(04.06.08) - Global Secure Systems (GSS), the specialist IT security reseller and systems integrator, is warning companies to be aware of a number of phishing scams centering on donation appeals for the recent major disasters in Burma and China.

"There are number of requests for companies to donate funds to disaster relief organisations being sent via email on the Internet," said David Hobson, GSS' managing director.

"Unfortunately, most of these email appeals are actually phishing requests, which means that anyone 'donating' via the suggested Web sites may find themselves asked for a variety of personal and/or company information which could be used for identity theft," he added.

According to Hobson, the situation is so bad about the phishing emails that the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) has just issued a warning about the email appeals and is advising severe caution to any recipient of the messages.

"I'd go further than CERT and recommend that any company wanting to make a donation to the charities involved with providing humanitarian aid for these disasters, make their initial approach over the phone," he said.

"That way they can be sure that they are dealing with a legitimate charity and make any donations using plastic or cheque, without giving away information that could be used for a possible scam," he added.

For more on the US CERT disaster phishing email warning: http://tinyurl.com/6o68by

(Global Secure Systems: ma)