Have you ever sent and email to someone and gotten an auto-reply? Of course - we all have and usually don't think much of it. But did you know that auto-replies can be exploited by hackers? This simple interaction has become a powerful tool for cybercriminals.
In recent weeks security researchers from the Russian cybersecurity firm F.A.C.C.T. discovered this novel tactic being used to deliver malicious crypto-mining software to tech companies retail marketplaces, insurance firms and financial businesses.
Here’s how it works: Once attackers gain access to someone’s email account—whether by infecting a computer, using leaked account passwords, or employing social engineering techniques—they can easily set up an auto-responder. This auto-reply can embed malicious links or software, which are then automatically distributed to colleagues, clients, and co-workers.
The Takeaway
This method of malware delivery is particularly dangerous because the potential victim initiated the communication, which adds credibility to the auto-reply. Here’s what to watch for:
1) Auto-reply emails that ask you to click on links, open software, or forward the email to others.
2) Auto-reply emails that create a sense of urgency, such as asking for help or threatening legal action.
What you won’t see is poor English or bad grammar, thanks to tools like ChatGPT. Once a cybercriminal takes over an inbox, they gain historical access to all emails, contacts, and calendars. Best practices suggest avoiding the use of your email inbox as a filing cabinet for important documents (e.g., ID cards, employment records, invoices, bank statements, etc.), but many businesses still do. If this applies to you, now is the time to clean up your inbox. Cybercriminals will comb through old messages looking for other ways to exploit you or impersonate you to target others.
We’ve seen time and again that compromised inboxes can lead to financial transactions being intercepted, and unfortunately, there’s no end in sight. Use common sense, stay alert, and make sure your colleagues know what to look out for as well.
Stay safe out there.
-Attila
PS. If you think that this email might be helpful to a friend, family member, client or co-worker, feel free to pass it along. Always a pleasure to be of service to you and the community.
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