Surge of spear-phishing attacks targeting Facebook Users

The FBI issued an official warning Tuesday to consumers to beware of spear-phishing attempts aimed at stealing intellectual property, financial credentials and personal data, oftentimes for the intentions of faking an individual’s identity.  Another security firm warned that in the past year, the intensity of phishing attacks have more than tripled.

“Often, the e-mails contain accurate information about victims obtained via a previous intrusion or from data posted on social networking sites, blogs, or other websites,” said the FBI’s warning. “This information adds a veneer of legitimacy to the message, increasing the chances the victims will open the email and respond as directed.”

Internet users nowadays are likely to come across a phishing website than two years ago. According to Google’s Transparency Report, as of June 9 the search service discovered 108,225 phishing sites, up from the 9,264 it detected on May 23, 2010.

Be careful what you click and make sure to scan your computer daily.