Symantec warns against iPad fanfare

By SearchSecurityAsia Editors | Feb 1, 2010

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Symantec has issued a warning to inform users about cybercriminals using the new iPad's hype to target consumers looking for information on Apple's new gadget.  As soon as the announcement was made, Symantec observed that related search terms had become targets for Blackhat SEO attacks and phishing attacks. People interested in finding out more about the iPad over the internet must be on guard, warns Symantec.

The excitement over the iPad has been building for months now, so it’s only to be expected that its announcement would spark a huge spike in search traffic relating to certain terms. This is just the kind of opportunity fraudsters like to exploit by poisoning search terms, and we can also expect to see iPad-related spam and phishing attacks hitting consumers hard over the coming weeks. Symantec advises the curious to be on their guard.

Tips for avoiding iPad pain:

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links in email or IM messages as these may be links to spoofed Web sites.
• Symantec security experts suggest typing Web addresses directly into the browser rather than clicking on links within messages.
• If an email offer looks too good to be true, it probably is. Go through authorised and known suppliers or information sources.
• Always be sure that your operating system is up-to-date with the latest updates, and employ a comprehensive security suite.
• Delete all spam.

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