The Northern Nevada Cyber Center, located at the Washoe County
Sheriff’s Office has issued a computer intrusion scam warning.
Many Facebook users are reporting their accounts being hacked. The
Cyber Center has confirmed a valid Facebook related threat in which
users receive a counterfeit email and attachment or link asking them
to change their password. If users follow the instructions in the
email, password stealing malware and Trojan viruses may be installed
on their computer.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office urges Internet users to look
closely and scrutinize emails and use caution when receiving
notifications to reset passwords.
Most Social Networking sites, Online Banking, and other similar
websites usually require a user to log into the site first, before
changing any account information. It’s extremely rare for any of these
sites to ask you to follow a link.
For more information on this threat, see http://www.facebook.com/security
How to protect yourself online:
Internet users are encouraged to use complicated passwords and not
duplicate the same password for multiple sites. Once a Cyber Scam
Artist obtains a password for your account, they often will try to
access other accounts you may possess as most users often use simple
passwords and the same password for multiple Internet Accounts.
Never give out personal information online other than when necessary
and properly logged into your accounts.
Keep your computer updated with all recent software security updates
and virus definition updates.