New Spam Trick: Shortened URLs
Shortened URLs, a service on many sites that turns lengthy Web addresses into shorter URLs, is rapidly becoming a popular way for spammers to reach unsuspecting readers. New analysis from Symantec's MessageLabs finds shortened URLs now account for 2 percent of all spam in inboxes (See also: Spam is More Malicious than Ever).
"While we're not seeing it yet, it's entirely possible that those sites could have some sort of drive-by attacks with malicious content and executables," said Sergeant.
Some common shortened-URL spam headlines observed by MessageLabs include: - Read This Article. Suggested By User. - User has sent you article: Is Working Online At Home The Next Gold Rush? - We should try something like this - Just thought you might want to see this -I just started doing this :) wanted to share it with you.
"Make sure it's an email you expected from someone you know," said Sergeant. "You'll often see emails from people you know, but there's a strong potential that it's coming from a botnet as well. Look at the content or clues, and if you can, verify that this person actually did mean to send you something. Generally the bad ones will have bad wording and you can tell if it's coming from a machine. Try to verify another means by using instant messenger or phone."
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