Watch Out for Cyber Attacks

Zombie programs that can take control over computers. Phishing e-mails that trick people into turn over passwords and security codes. Instant contest winner messages or “emergency” online sales. 

These are just some of the Internet scams that could infect your computer and impact your finances. But many problems could be avoided by following some practical guidelines, such as never opening attachments or e-mails from unfamiliar sources.

FBI Agent Ryan Brogan, who works in the Newark division cyber squad, and Phil Chaiklin, a technology and security specialist and a founder of the Livingston Technology Committee, held a discussion on Internet security at the township’s Senior Center last month. 

Ellen Lazer, the technology committee’s chairwoman, said this was the second time the organization held a public session on Internet security. A total of 35 people attended the session.

Brogan and Chaiklin provided many tips in a 90-minute long presentation with a question and answer portion. They also handed out copies of a CD offering advice on closed circuit television recording systems. 

Brogan noted that crime has always been around, but Internet has made it easier for like-minded criminals to find each other and locate a larger pool of potential targets. 

One major source of cyber crime come from automated clearing houses that target electronic financial transactions, such as direct deposits or vendor payments. Most are small businesses and he advised owners to consider setting up a separate computer for financial transactions only to avoid accidentally downloading viruses through e-mail or web browsing. 

The biggest area of growth in cyber theft rings, however, are “money mules,” people who transfer stolen money electronically from one country to another, Brogan said.

“Ten years ago, the programmers who were writing code weren’t doing the crime,” he said. “They did it for fun. Now, the software is so sophisticated the thugs use it basically to commit online bank fraud.”

Brogan advised the public to never use a public computer or a hotel lobby computer for banking purposes. It is fairly easy for someone to install a tracking program on the machine to record keystrokes or use a monitoring device, he said. 

With regards to sales over the Internet, Brogan noted that “cash is king” and using an e-commerce program such as PayPal is even better because checks, even certified bank checks, can be forged. 

If the deal seems too good to be true, or it requires money to be sent to a third party “escrow agent,” Brogan said it is most likely a scam.

Another popular Internet scam is to set up fake “work from home” jobs that require applicants to set up a bank account and pay a “finder’s fee.” These fake company websites can look very professional and include fake news articles and require applicants to send a driver’s license scan, sign a contract and take a personality test, Brogan said.

“If someone tells you take money to a bank and do something bizarre, like Western Union it to Eastern Europe, it’s a fraud,” he said. 

To avoid scammers, Brogan suggested using search engines to investigate companies and vet shady websites. Changing your online passwords on a regular basis would help thwart bank fraud. 

Brogan also advised the public to file complaints about scams on the government’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Livingston residents Sheila and Harvey Kolosky said they found the Internet session very useful, especially the tip about constantly changing computer passwords.

“Basically, you have to use your common sense on a computer because there are people can totally destroy your finances,” Sheila Kolosky said. 

An attendee from Newark, who identified herself as Ms. Connor, said she found the session to be very informative and she thought it was a good forum for people to ask computer security questions.

Ms. Connor, who said her business e-mail was hacked in the past, said she appreciated learning about the government website where Internet scam complaints can be filed. She also said using a separate computer just for business transactions was a good tip. 

For more information about the FBI and cyber crime, visit www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/cyber/cyber

To file a cyber crime complaint or learn more cyber crime fighting tips, visit www.ic3.gov