Yet another security warning for online Valentines!

Staff Writers
Monday, 09 February 2009 09:49

IT Industry - Market

Valentine’s Day is not all it’s cracked up to be if you’re an avid, online romantic, at least that seems to be the message from two security companies as the day of romance and love approaches.

iTWire carried a story - http://www.itwire.com/content/view/23072/1231/ - last week in which RSA, the security division of EMC, warning consumers purchasing Valentine gifts and shopping online, that it can be hazardous, because of the ever presence of cybercrooks trying to get hold of your credit card and banking details.

Now, Symantec has issued its warning, saying that “spammers have been busy making sure they have the perfect gift for your loved ones this year,” and that “the top 20 Valentine’s Day spam subject lines seem more like a laundry list of solutions for a cast of depressed porn stars than an array of truly romantic gifts.”

Observing that the top 20 Valentine's Day spam subject lines have gone a bit towards the 'erotic' this year, Symantec says, however, that “this might always be complemented with a nice watch or shopping spree.”

As RSA offered advice as to ways consumers can ensure they’re protected when shopping online, Symantec lists the top 20 subject lines spammers are using in their Valentine emails. Here are some of them:                                                         
• Increase your length, the best valentine's gift
• Get it before Valentine's day and watch her smile
• Happy Early Valentine's Day, You have been selected to go on a $1000 Shopping spree to [Removed]
• Your Valentine's Day is about to get a lot better
• Enjoy your Valentine's Day with a Grand Cash from us =)
• Great watches for your Valentine
• Make your Valentine happy with the perfect timepiece

Symantec also warns there has been an increase in subject lines in spam related to this special day that contain the words Feb 14, February 14 and Cupid.

We’re pretty sure iTWire’s savvy online users won’t get caught, but just in case the advice to all romantics from Symantec is that if you receive an email from an unknown person, from someone purporting to be from a particular company, or if it contains a 'loving' subject line, just don't open it.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at iTWire!