Security Warning to O2 Users

O2 mobile phone users will be familiar with the monthly email that informs that of the charge that will be deducted from the credit/debit cards at the normal month end. There is a current wave of messages being sent randomly (and therefore catching O2 users) which is identical in wording and structure to the official notice, but it states a very high charge.

Most users inevitably click on the link to the O2 billing page to investigate. This link does not go to the O2 website, but to another one where a virus download is triggered.

This type of message is referred to a ‘Phising’ and you will find articles explaining them within the Wrinklies website http://www.wrinklies.co.uk/. The virus (actually a ‘Trojan’ which transmits information such as bank details) is called PWsteal.Metafisher.

We offer 4 bits of advice:

First of all always make sure that you have anti-virus software installed and set to update automatically.

Don’t panic if you have a virus alert. Either refer to your virus software vendors website for information and instructions or ask a computer-savvy person to help you. The website will have information on that specific virus/Trojan.

Perform a full system scan using the anti-virus software. (You should do this regularly anyway!)

Finally, here is a useful way to guard against being fooled to click on a link that isn’t what it appears – the visible link and the actual link can be different.

If you are using MS Outlook place the cursor in the body of the message near – but not over the link – and click the right mouse button once and select View Source. You will see the code that makes up the message and you will see the place where you placed the cursor. If the link does not go where you expect e.g. http://www.O2.co.uk/shop, close the View Source window and delete the message. (Other email programs might have slight different procedures.)

We tried to report this matter to O2, but has anyone ever had an answer on their phone line?