E-gads... AVG warns of 500 million strong e-card threat

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Thursday, 27 November 2008 06:21

Opinion and Analysis

Why are spams and dodgy e-cards, etc, sent out? The answer is simple – because they work to catch people unawares.

AVG’s research points to an estimated 500 million e-cards and greetings being sent online this Christmas, and says that “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.”

AVG continues, saying: “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.”
 
AVG however says that “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.”

These five tips are as follows:

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.

AVG takes the opportunity to note that the required “security software” needn’t “cost a cent”, pointing out that its AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.0 comes with AVG’s LinkScanner software to tell you whether a site is dodgy or not, with AVG Free able to be downloaded here.

AVG are obviously also hoping that if you get its free anti-virus, anti-malware, Linkscanner software that you’ll end up buying its full protective suite and use it in place of whatever Internet Security suite you’re likely already using.

Whether you do that is of course up to you, but AVG’s tips are certainly helpful whether you choose to use its technologies or not.

So... have a happy and safe festive season – and watch out for those e-cards, because they might come with an unwelcome present that you weren’t expecting!