Symantec Threat Bulletin: "Operation Phish Fry"

<p>Good afternoon,</p>
<p>It is being reported that today, the FBI has arrested a large number of individuals associated with what appears to be an international phishing scam ring. The arrests were part of an operation dubbed “Operation Phish Fry” and the individuals arrested are suspected of defrauding computer users in order to steal money from their bank accounts.</p>
<p>Phishing has become a staple tactic for malicious attackers in an attempt to take advantage of individuals and steal money from them. Phishing scams come in a variety of flavours and sophistication, but all typically involve a degree of social engineering in which the attacker tries to trick people into divulging sensitive information, such as bank and credit card account credentials. The attacker can then use this information to remove money from the account.</p>
<p>Symantec encourages users to be extremely wary of requests for any personal information that comes to them through e-mail or instant message, no matter how legitimate the message may appear. Official organisations rarely, if ever, ask for sensitive information to be divulged through such channels. In addition, users are encouraged to never click on links in suspicious messages purporting to be from a legitimate site, but instead, type the URL of the organisation directly into your Web browser and work from there. Finally, use a reputable Internet security solution that features anti-phishing technology.</p>
<p>Please let me know if you would like to speak with a Symantec security expert about phishing and what users can do to prevent themselves from falling victim to such scams.</p>
<p>Best,</p>
<p>Jasmin</p>
<p>Press Contacts:</p>
<p>Jasmin Athwal</p>
<p>Max Australia</p>
<p>+61 2 9954 3492</p>
<p>Jasmin.Athwal@maxaustralia.com.au</p>
<p>Debbie Sassine</p>
<p>Symantec</p>
<p>+61 2 8220 7158</p>
<p>debbie_sassine@symantec.com</p>

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