The evolution of Telsta’s 4G network to 4G LTE-A status has seen an evolution in phishing attacks trying to catch Telstra customers wanting to trial its fastest network speeds.
Telstra is warning that some of its customers have received phishing attack emails, designed by cyber criminals who target customers of large companies.
The Company warns that “these emails look very authentic, often including company logos and slogans, to trick you into opening them and disclosing your personal details, including your personal banking details.”
The fake emails state “customers are required to update their billing information, because of the introduction of the next generation of 4G services on the 700MHz spectrum.”
The hook is that the first 100 customers who update their billing details (and thus divulge information to online criminals) will “receive ‘a very special gift’, the ‘new iPhone 6 Plus’.”
Even more boldly comes the false claim that “Telstra is ‘giving away 1000 contracts for one year with free talknights, weekends and unlimited text messages’.”
As Telstra warns, the only “very special gift” you’re likely to receive after clicking the link will be “malware being placed on your computer or device, and your personal details compromised and used illegally by third parties.”
Telstra says suspect emails should not be opened nor have any links clicked but instead deleted immediately, as it is “another example of how opportunistic cyber criminals are becoming in their attempts to try and illegally obtain our customers’ personal information.”
We’re also warned to “take a moment and think before we click: don’t become the next phishing victim.”
Telstra’s tips to avoid being a victim of phishing emails include:
– Beware of unsolicited requests for sensitive information – don’t click on embedded links in emails or sites you don’t know or trust. If in doubt, visit trusted websites by typing the internet address (URL) directly into the browser address bar, rather than clicking on a link embedded in an email.
– Never respond to requests for personal information in an unexpected email or pop-up window.
– If in doubt, always contact the company that claims to be the sender of the email or pop-up window, using their official contact details.
– Make sure all your devices are protected with updated operating system and applications.
– Use a spam filter to help block unsolicited and unwanted email.
