Security news
Security news21 November 2006
Don't let Christmas spam fill your email stocking, Sophos warns As the holidays approach, spammers are employing Christmas-related gimmicks
Experts at SophosLabs™, Sophos's global network of virus, spyware and spam analysis centers, have identified a new marketing trick being used by spammers in their attempt to get a hold of legitimate email addresses and user information in the run-up to the holiday season: they are offering to send your child a letter directly from Santa.
The unsolicited email campaign, which includes subject lines like "Letter From Santa For Your Child" and "Santa Letter from the North Pole", offers a personalised letter addressed to your child. The email, which has been seen in several of our global spam traps, also requests you to get in touch if you received the email in error.
"This type of spam message preys on parents wanting to give their child something special for the holiday season," said Carole Theriault, senior security consultant for Sophos. "Just like any other time of the year, users need to remain vigilant about spam, even if it seemingly offers something desirable. Rather than confirming your email address to a complete stranger by replying to this unsolicited message, delete the email and consider other ways to make your kids happy this Christmas season."
Sophos recommends companies protect themselves with a consolidated solution which can defend businesses from the threats of both spam and viruses.
About Sophos
Sophos enables enterprises all over the world to secure and control their IT infrastructure. Sophos's network access control, endpoint, web and email solutions simplify security to provide integrated defenses against malware, spyware, intrusions, unwanted applications, spam, policy abuse, data leakage and compliance drift. With over 20 years of experience, Sophos protects over 100 million users in nearly 150 countries with its reliably engineered security solutions and services. Recognized for its high level of customer satisfaction and powerful yet easy-to-use solutions, Sophos has received many industry awards, as well as positive reviews and certifications.
Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com
