Technology

Scammers use Irene, 9/11 in phishing attacks

The Homeland Security Department\'s Computer Emergency Readiness Team wants the public to beware of email scams and possible cyberattacks related to Hurricane I...

Federal News Network Staff

September 2, 2011 8:35 am

< a min read

The Homeland Security Department’s Computer Emergency Readiness Team wants the public to beware of email scams and possible cyberattacks related to Hurricane Irene and the upcoming 9/11 anniversary.

New bulletins from DHS’ cybersecurity center said the publlic should watch for emails with subject lines referring to the recent hurricane or 9/11.

The emails could be phishing scams that look like legitimate fundraising pleas. They’ll include links to video or photos, but those links will download harmful viruses or take unsuspecting viewers to a malicious website.

The Associated Press got copies of the bulletins from the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, which were distributed to federal, state and local officials as well as cybersecurity and critical infrastructure personnel.

This story is part of Federal News Radio’s daily Cybersecurity Update. For more cybersecurity news, click here.