Security firm Sophos is warning Web users to be wary of bogus Valentine’s e-cards as they pose a security threat.
According to research by Sophos, 82 per cent of system administrators say electronic greeting cards put computer security at risk.
Sophos says it’s important that PC users are also educated about the risk of electronic cards, and how to avoid falling victim to cyber criminals that send out hoax greetings cards loaded with malicious software.
“One of the hackers’ favourite tricks is to disguise their attack as an ecard from an anonymous admirer, and as Valentine’s Day approaches we can expect the fraudsters to redouble their efforts,” said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.
“System admins are sick to the back teeth of lovelorn workers allowing cybercriminals to breeze into corporate networks, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if some want to pour cold water over the festivities and block all electronic Valentines.”
“Everyone loves to receive a Valentine, but for those people who are left out this Saturday, the danger is that they’ll be even more keen to open a romantic ecard they find sitting in their inbox when they go back to work on Monday,” added Cluely.
