Web Security News

Phishing attack targets Microsoft Outlook users

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Web security researchers have discovered a phishing scam targeting users of Microsoft Outlook that attempts to steal login and password information for hijacking user email accounts.

The phishing emails appear to come from Microsoft and ask recipients to reconfigure their Outlook account by clicking on a link to the phishing website. At the site, users are asked to fill in their account information, including their mail server address.

A security researcher at the TrendLabs malware blog observed that, unlike phishing attacks that target users of social networking sites or bank websites, login credentials are not enough to hijack an email account - the server information is also required, making this attack less likely to be successful.

Many recent phishing attacks have targeted users of sites like Facebook and Twitter, which have proved more effective for cybercriminals attempting to steal personal information.

Aaron Higbee, a managing partner and co-founder of the Intrepidus Group, said social engineering techniques used by hackers on social networks are highly effective for targeted spear phishing, according to a report from Channelinsider.com.

Because users frequently post personal information about their hometown, birth dates and other identifying data, spear phishers can make their attacks seem more genuine.

"In the social media area, a spear phisher really has a lot of avenues to build a story around individuals," Higbee said.