Privacy, Security & Virus Information

Microsoft don’t have their problems to seek as Hotmail again comes under hacker attack

For the first time in a few weeks, Hotmail accounts have been targeted by hackers taking advantage of a flaw in the Microsoft Webmail’s system known as Zero Day. Hackers on the make out for cracks in the Microsoft armour are only too aware that zero days is an ideal opportunity to test their new malware.

This recent attack is one of the more sophisticated seen of late due to its ability to self-execute without user intervention. Instead all that is requires is a tainted email to be opened. This recent development is especially worrying as in the past the majority of malware attacks have traditionally required some additional action on the part of the user. Either by opening a file attachment, or clicking on a URL link embedded within an email. Most of the internet savvy have long since learned to steer clear of opening attachments or clicking on links unless the source is truly trusted, But who can resist the temptation of opening an e-mail that appears totally innocent, which means that this latest threat opens up whole new dimensions in the war against malware.

Internet security experts are apparently working around the clock to unearth the code that will set off a malware attack simply be opening an e-mail. Early reports indicate that a code is instigated when a specially crafted message is viewed and hijacks both email messages as well as contact information from the user’s Hotmail account. This particular attack seems to have been designed specifically as a targeted attack.

Microsoft is pulling out a load of stops to defeating Hotmail account hijacking. Microsoft and have recently introduced new security controls designed to help their users protect Hotmail passwords and recover compromised accounts more easily.

Microsoft's Web-based e-mail service is the leading Web-mail platform with close to 400 million active Hotmail accounts, with Google's Gmail and Yahoo Mail close behind. The powers that be at Microsoft are well aware that these constant attacks will eventually weaken their position and that why they are so sensitive to any malware attack.

Account hijacking has become a growing trend online and with hijacked accounts are difficult to detect and recover every effort must be made for e-mail subscribers to protect their information.

The onus doesn’t only lie with Microsoft, or Google and Yahoo for that matter. Internet users should have learned by now that the only way to provide full protection is to install the latest and most powerful anti-virus software that will immediately detect any form of unwelcome intrusion no matter who well it is camouflaged.

 

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