Security firms warn of iPad scams

[nsane.forums]

Crooks looking to cash in on tablet hype

Interest in Apple's new iPad tablet will likely touch off a wave of new online scams in the coming weeks, according security experts.

The attacks, which have already begun to appear, include search-engine poisoning attacks designed to direct users to attack pages.

According to security firm WebSense, such attacks began to appear within hours of the iPad's unveiling. The company noted that specially-crafted sites were being loaded with keywords in order to appear on Google searches for terms such as " Apple Tablet."

The company noted that many of the sites were then redirecting users to attack sites which attempted to trick users into purchasing and installing fake antivirus applpications.

Likewise, Symantec warned users of ongoing and future attacks which play on the interest in Apple's new system. The company warned that in addition to malware and rogue antivirus attacks, cybercriminals should also be expected to try to defraud users with fake retail and promotional offers for free or discounted iPads.

"The excitement over the iPad has been building for months now, so it's only to be expected that its announcement would spark a huge spike in search traffic relating to certain terms," said Symantec researcher Candid Wueest.

"Sadly, this is just the kind of opportunity fraudsters like to exploit by poisoning search terms, and we can also expect to see iPad-related spam and phishing attacks hitting consumers hard over the coming weeks."

In addition to keeping updated system and security software, users are being advised to be wary of unsolicited e-mail and IM messages and avoid any unknown or suspicious retail offers.

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