FBI Warns of Dramatic Increase in Business E-Mail Scams

FBI officials are warning potential victims of a dramatic rise in the business e-mail compromise scam or “B.E.C.,” a scheme that targets businesses and has resulted in massive financial losses in Phoenix and other cities.
 
The schemers go to great lengths to spoof company e-mail or use social engineering to assume the identity of the CEO, a company attorney, or trusted vendor. They research employees who manage money and use language specific to the company they are targeting, then they request a wire fraud transfer using dollar amounts that lend legitimacy.
 
There are various versions of the scams. Victims range from large corporations to tech companies to small businesses to non-profit organizations. Many times, the fraud targets businesses that work with foreign suppliers or regularly perform wire transfer payments.
  • Law enforcement globally has received complaints from victims in every U.S. state and in at least 79 countries.
  • From October 2013 through February 2016, law enforcement received reports from 17,642 victims.
  • This amounted to more than $2.3 billion in losses.
  • Since January 2015, the FBI has seen a 270 percent increase in identified victims and exposed loss.
  • In Arizona the average loss per scam is between $25,000 and $75,000.
If your company has been victimized by a BEC scam:
  • Contact your financial institution immediately
  • Request that they contact the financial institution where the fraudulent transfer was sent
  • File a complaint—regardless of dollar loss—with the IC3.
Tips for Businesses:
  • Be wary of e-mail-only wire transfer requests and requests involving urgency
  • Pick up the phone and verify legitimate business partners.
  • Be cautious of mimicked e-mail addresses
  • Practice multi-level authentication.
Resources:

Motor Vehicles Increasingly Vulnerable to Remote Exploits repost from The FBI

As previously reported by the media in and after July 2015, security researchers evaluating automotive cybersecurity were able to demonstrate remote exploits of motor vehicles. The analysis demonstrated the researchers could gain significant control over vehicle functions remotely by exploiting wireless communications vulnerabilities. While the identified vulnerabilities have been addressed, it is important that consumers and manufacturers are aware of the possible threats and how an attacker may seek to remotely exploit vulnerabilities in the future. Third party aftermarket devices with Internet or cellular access plugged into diagnostics ports could also introduce wireless vulnerabilities.
 
Modern motor vehicles often include new connected vehicle technologies that aim to provide benefits such as added safety features, improved fuel economy, and greater overall convenience. Aftermarket devices are also providing consumers with new features to monitor the status of their vehicles. However, with this increased connectivity, it is important that consumers and manufacturers maintain awareness of potential cyber security threats.
 
Vehicle hacking occurs when someone with a computer seeks to gain unauthorized access to vehicle systems for the purposes of retrieving driver data or manipulating vehicle functionality. While not all hacking incidents may result in a risk to safety – such as an attacker taking control of a vehicle – it is important that consumers take appropriate steps to minimize risk. Therefore, the FBI and NHTSA are warning the general public and manufacturers – of vehicles, vehicle components, and aftermarket devices – to maintain awareness of potential issues and cybersecurity threats related to connected vehicle technologies in modern vehicles.
 
How are computers used in modern motor vehicles?
Motor vehicles contain an increasing number of computers in the form of electronic control units (ECUs). These ECUs control numerous vehicle functions from steering, braking, and acceleration, to the lights and windshield wipers. A wide range of vehicle components also have wireless capability: from keyless entry, ignition control, and tire pressure monitoring, to diagnostic, navigation, and entertainment systems. While manufacturers attempt to limit the interaction between vehicle systems, wireless communications, and diagnostic ports, these new connections to the vehicle architecture provide portals through which adversaries may be able to remotely attack the vehicle controls and systems. Third-party devices connected to the vehicle, for example through the diagnostics port, could also introduce vulnerabilities by providing connectivity where it did not exist previously.
 
What are some of the ways an attacker can access vehicle networks and driver data?
Vulnerabilities may exist within a vehicle’s wireless communication functions, within a mobile device – such as a cellular phone or tablet connected to the vehicle via USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi – or within a third-party device connected through a vehicle diagnostic port. In these cases, it may be possible for an attacker to remotely exploit these vulnerabilities and gain access to the vehicle’s controller network or to data stored on the vehicle. Although vulnerabilities may not always result in an attacker being able to access all parts of the system, the safety risk to consumers could increase significantly if the access involves the ability to manipulate critical vehicle control systems.
 
Example: Recently Demonstrated Remote Exploits
Over the past year, researchers identified a number of vulnerabilities in the radio module of a MY2014 passenger vehicle and reported its detailed findings in a whitepaper published in August 2015.a The vehicle studied was unaltered and purchased directly from a dealer. In this study, which was conducted over a period of several months, researchers developed exploits targeting the active cellular wireless and optionally user-enabled Wi-Fi hotspot communication functions. Attacks on the vehicle that were conducted over Wi-Fi were limited to a distance of less than about 100 feet from the vehicle. However, an attacker making a cellular connection to the vehicle’s cellular carrier – from anywhere on the carrier’s nationwide network – could communicate with and perform exploits on the vehicle via an Internet Protocol (IP) address.
 
In the aforementioned case, the radio module contained multiple wireless communication and entertainment functions and was connected to two controller area network (CAN) buses in the vehicle. Following are some of the vehicle function manipulations that researchers were able to accomplish.
  • In a target vehicle, at low speeds (5-10 mph):
    • Engine shutdown
    • Disable brakes
    • Steering
  • In a target vehicle, at any speed:
    • Door locks
    • Turn signal
    • Tachometer
    • Radio, HVAC, GPS
What did the manufacturer in the recent case do to fix or mitigate the identified vulnerabilities?
In this case, NHTSA believed the vulnerability represented an unreasonable risk to safety based on a number of critical factors: once exploited, the vulnerability allowed access to and manipulation of critical vehicle control systems; the population of vehicles potentially at risk was huge; and the likelihood of exploitation was great given that the researchers were scheduled to publish the bulk of their work product. As a result, almost one and a half million vehicles were recalled (NHTSA Recall Campaign Number: 15V461000). Before the researchers’ report was released, the cellular carrier for the affected vehicles blocked access to one specific port (TCP 6667) for the private IP addresses used to communicate with vehicles. However, the recall was still necessary to mitigate other, short-range vulnerabilities.
 
The manufacturer and cell service provider have provided a remedy to mitigate the specific vulnerabilities. The manufacturer announced it would notify owners of vehicles affected by the recall and would mail them a USB drive containing the update and additional security features for the vehicle software. Alternatively, the manufacturer announced that owners could visit a Web site to check if their vehicle was included in the recall and to download the software update to a USB drive. Owners who did not wish to install the update via USB to their own vehicles were given the option to have their vehicle dealer install the update.
 
Cybersecurity Recalls and Consumer Action
How can consumers determine whether their vehicle has been recalled for a vehicle cybersecurity issue?
When a vehicle is included in a recall, the manufacturer sends a notification to vehicle owners informing them of the issue and how to obtain a free remedy to address the problem.
In general, it is important that consumers maintain awareness of the latest recalls and updates affecting their motor vehicles. This can be done by following the instructions on NHTSA’s safercar.gov Web site, media and news announcements of recalls, contacting your nearest vehicle dealership, or checking the vehicle manufacturer’s Web site for recall-related information. Vehicle owners should check the vehicle’s VIN for recalls at least twice per year using this Web link: http://vinrcl.safercar.gov
 
Consumers can also look for other related information for their vehicles at the following Web links:
 
How can consumers help minimize vehicle cybersecurity risks?
1. Ensure your vehicle software is up to date
If a manufacturer issues a notification that a software update is available, it is important that the consumer take appropriate steps to verify the authenticity of the notification and take action to ensure that the vehicle system is up to date.
As a note of caution, if manufacturers regularly make software updates for vehicles available online, it is possible that criminals may exploit this delivery method. A criminal could send socially engineered e-mail messages to vehicle owners who are looking to obtain legitimate software updates. Instead, the recipients could be tricked into clicking links to malicious Web sites or opening attachments containing malicious software (malware). The malware could be designed to install on the owner’s computer, or be contained in the vehicle software update file, so as to be introduced into the owner’s vehicle when the owner attempts to apply the update via USB. Additionally, an attacker could attempt to mail vehicle owners USB drives containing a malicious version of a vehicle’s software. To mitigate potential risks, vehicle owners should always:
  • Verify any recall notices received by following the steps for determining whether a vehicle has been recalled for a vehicle cyber security issue, as outlined above.
  • Check on the vehicle manufacturer’s Web site to identify whether any software updates have been issued by the manufacturer.
  • Avoid downloading software from third-party Web sites or file-sharing platforms.
  • Where necessary, always use a trusted USB or SD card storage device when downloading and installing software to a vehicle.
  • Check with the vehicle dealer or manufacturer about performing vehicle software updates.
If uncomfortable with downloading recall software or using recall software mailed to you, call your dealer and make an appointment to have the work done by a trusted source.
 
2. Be careful when making any modifications to vehicle software
Making unauthorized modifications to vehicle software may not only impact the normal operation of your vehicle, but it may introduce new vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker. Such modifications may also impact the way in which authorized software updates can be installed on the vehicle.
 
3. Maintain awareness and exercise discretion when connecting third-party devices to your vehicle
All modern vehicles feature a standardized diagnostics port, OBD-II, which provides some level of connectivity to the in-vehicle communication networks. This port is typically accessed by vehicle maintenance technicians, using publicly available diagnostic tools, to assess the status of various vehicle systems, as well as to test emissions performance. More recently, there has been a significant increase in the availability of third-party devices that can be plugged directly into the diagnostic port. These devices, which may be designed independent of the vehicle manufacturer, include insurance dongles and other telematics and vehicle monitoring tools. The security of these devices is important as it can provide an attacker with a means of accessing vehicle systems and driver data remotely.
While in the past accessing automotive systems through this OBD-II port would typically require an attacker to be physically present in the vehicle, it may be possible for an attacker to indirectly connect to the vehicle by exploiting vulnerabilities in these aftermarket devices. Vehicle owners should check with the security and privacy policies of the third-party device manufacturers and service providers, and they should not connect any unknown or un-trusted devices to the OBD-II port.
 
4. Be aware of who has physical access to your vehicle
In much the same way as you would not leave your personal computer or smartphone unlocked, in an unsecure location, or with someone you don’t trust, it is important that you maintain awareness of those who may have access to your vehicle.
 
What should you do if you suspect you are a victim of vehicle hacking?
In much the same way as you would not leave your personal computer or smartphone unlocked, in an unsecure location, or with someone you don’t trust, it is important that you maintain awareness of those who may have access to your vehicle.
 
1. Check for outstanding vehicle recalls or vehicle software updates
It is important that you check to identify whether there are any outstanding recalls related to your vehicle. This can be done by following the steps outlined above. You may also check on the manufacturer’s Web site to determine whether there are any software updates that may need to be applied.
 
2. Contact the vehicle manufacturer or authorized dealer
An important step is being able to diagnose whether any anomalous vehicle behavior might be attributable to a vehicle hacking attempt. Contact your vehicle manufacturer or authorized dealer and provide them with a description of the problem so that they can work with you to resolve any potential cyber security concerns.
 
3. Contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
In addition to contacting the manufacturer or authorized dealer, please report suspected hacking attempts and perceived anomalous vehicle behavior that could result in safety concerns to NHTSA by filing a Vehicle Safety Complaint.

4. Contact the FBI
In addition to the above steps, please reach out to your local FBI field office and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Agency and Industry Action
What is NHTSA doing on vehicle cyber security?
NHTSA is the regulatory agency that sets and enforces the federal motor vehicle safety standards for new vehicles. They are actively working on several initiatives to improve the cyber security posture of vehicles in the United States. More information about their vehicle cyber security activities can be found at:
 
What are automakers doing on vehicle cyber security?
In addition to the steps taken by individual automakers to address vehicle safety and security, the auto industry has established an Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) to provide a trusted mechanism for exchanging cyber security information. The Auto ISAC will act as a central hub for gathering intelligence to help the industry analyze, share, and track cyber threats. Automakers are also collaborating on best practices for enhancing the cyber resiliency of motor vehicle electronics and associated in-vehicle networks.

Stolen Identity Refund Fraud repost from FBI site

Each year, criminal actors target US persons and visa holders for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF). SIRF is defined as the fraudulent acquisition and use of the Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of US persons or visa holders to file tax returns.

The fraudulent tax returns are sent to bank accounts or pre-paid cards that are held under their control. SIRF is relatively easy to commit and extremely lucrative for criminal actors. While all U.S. taxpayers are susceptible to SIRF, over the past year, criminal actors have targeted specific portions of the population, including: temporary visa holders, the homeless, prisoners, the deceased, low-income individuals, children, senior citizens, and military personnel deployed overseas. This may be due to the perception by criminal actors that these individuals are less likely to be aware of or receive notification that their identity has been stolen. 

 
After criminal actors steal PII, they use corrupt tax preparation companies or online tax software to file fraudulent tax returns with the stolen identity information at the federal and state level. The only legitimate information needed to file a fraudulent tax return is a name and social security number. This information is obtained by criminal actors through a variety of techniques, including computer intrusions, the online purchase of stolen PII, the physical theft of data from individuals or third parties, the impersonation of government officials through both phishing and cold-calling techniques, the exploitation of PII obtained through one’s place of employment, the theft of electronic medical records, and searching multiple publicly available Web sites and social media. After the criminal actors electronically file fraudulent tax returns, they use pre-paid debit cards or bank accounts under their control to route fraudulent returns. The balances on the pre-paid cards and bank accounts are depleted shortly after the tax refund is issued.
 
Additionally, investigative information shows cyber criminals compromised legitimate online tax software accounts during the 2015 tax season. Cyber criminals modified victims’ online tax software account information, diverting tax refunds to bank accounts or pre-paid cards under their control.
Many victims of SIRF do not know they have been targeted until they try to file their legitimate tax return. Many also receive notifications in the mail that their returns are being audited or are under review before they have even filed their tax returns.
 
If you believe you are a victim of SIRF, contact your local FBI or IRS field office. You may consult www.identitytheft.gov which can help you report and recover from identity theft. Additional resources are available at https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Identity-Protection.
 
Tips to protect yourself:
  • File tax returns as early as possible.

  • Monitor your bank account statements regularly, as well and as your credit report at least once a year for any fraudulent activity.

  • Report unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card provider as soon as possible.

  • Be cautious of telephone calls or e-mails that require you to provide your personal information, especially your birth date or social security number. If you are in doubt, do not provide the requested information.

  • Do not open e-mail or attachments from unknown individuals. Additionally, do not click on links embedded in e-mails from unknown individuals.

  • Never provide personal information of any sort via e-mail. Be aware, many e-mails requesting your personal information appear to be legitimate.

  • If you use online tax services, ensure your bank account is accurately listed before and after you file your tax return.

  • Ensure sensitive information is permanently removed from online tax software accounts that are no longer being used. Allowing online accounts to become dormant can be risky and make you more susceptible to tax fraud schemes.

  • If you feel you are a victim, immediately contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit records.

  • If you are a victim, file an Identity Theft Affidavit (IRS Form 14039). This form is available for download from www.identitytheft.gov.

Apple Ends Support for QuickTime for Windows; New Vulnerabilities Announced

 Systems Affected

Microsoft Windows with Apple QuickTime installed

Overview

According to Trend Micro, Apple will no longer be providing security updates for QuickTime for Windows, leaving this software vulnerable to exploitation.

Description

All software products have a lifecycle. Apple will no longer be providing security updates for QuickTime for Windows.
The Zero Day Initiative has issued advisories for two vulnerabilities found in QuickTime for Windows, look Here

Impact

Computer systems running unsupported software are exposed to elevated cybersecurity dangers, such as increased risks of malicious attacks or electronic data loss. Exploitation of QuickTime for Windows vulnerabilities could allow remote attackers to take control of affected systems.

Solution

Computers running QuickTime for Windows will continue to work after support ends. However, using unsupported software may increase the risks from viruses and other security threats. Potential negative consequences include loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability of data, as well as damage to system resources or business assets. The only mitigation available is to uninstall QuickTime for Windows. Users can find instructions for uninstalling QuickTime for Windows on the Apple Uninstall QuickTime page.