Have you heard of "spear phishing" email?

I just thought this was called "phishing." I've heard of it before, but never heard it called spear phishing.

I didn't know the exact extent, but I did notice my bulk/spam Yahoo Mail folder had all sorts of "order confirmation" or "account review" from places I never visit, but that most other people might have business with and would open a questioning e-mail "without hesitation."

I hate invasiveness, but what these spear phishers do is plant a keystroke Trojan and steal your log in information. Maybe. And it sure isn't worth taking the risk to open a suspect e-mail.

I, personally, dump all cookies and temporary internet files once a week (at least) then run a Spybot Search and Destroy (a free anti spy program) followed by a defragmentation of my computer files.

When I dump cookies planted by an internet surf run before doing a Spybot check, I have zero threats found.

I hate the idea that some unknown can enter my computer and take my password log in. Banks are very lax about protecting our internal privacy when accessing an online account.

By the way, this Clark Howard newsletter is wonderful. He is in Atlanta and has a syndicated radio show with consumer and financial news. Alice and I were very impressed when we heard his program while driving through the Bay Area in California. After we got home, I immediately signed up to receive his weekly newsletter.

http://clarkhoward.com/

No.
How can they get my bank account info from me just opening their mail?

My parents have gotten those before I believe..and my friend's dad got one too..The ones my parents got were viruses though...The one my friend's dad got might have been one of those...She stopped him from clicking the link though..

Yeah right. Like I'm gonna click that link. Nice try.

And who the hell is Clark Howard?

I haven't heard of it called "spear" phishing specifically, but I'm well aware of phishing scams.

They can't - you're using a Mac. Under Windows, however, Outlook Express is such a completely bug-ridden piece of crap that your computer can become compromised simply by receiving or reading a piece of email.

I know what you're referring to by your explanation but I've never heard it called that.

I've never heard of the term "phishing" but if you own a computer and you use it for purchasing and you don't have that kind of software installed; then you're computer illiterate.
The last time I got a Trojan horse was 7 years ago and I didn't shop on-line back then... I learned and I learned to trust my system...

No credit to me... I have a computer genius living with me!

I guess if I use online banking (which I do), then they might be able to find that information (if I used Outlook). But it's not like most of my financial account numbers are just floating around on my computer (no credit card numbers, for instance). Some of my information just isn't available through my computer.

> No.
> How can they get my bank account info from me
> just opening their mail?

Did you read the link? Basically, when a fraudulent email is opened, a Trojan Horse is sent into your computer from their phony email message, like a virus. If it isn't cleaned out when you run an anti spy program (I have the free Spybot-Search and Destroy) the next time you log into your online bank or other account, it records your keystrokes and therefore your login and password. Then they sell this information to the highest bidder.

I personally never use Outlook Express or Internet Explorer. I use Yahoo and Mozilla Firefox. I also never open any email I don't recognize or want.

And, anyone can do their own Google search on Clark Howard. I was impressed when I listened to his radio program. As I said, he covers consumer and financial issues.

nope.

Not the term "spear phishing", but the technique, sure.

Spear phishing.. sounds like a way to catch fish..

I get the regular phishing e-mails, where they pretend to be from eBay and Paypal and so on, and give a phony link to put in my password. .

Well, I'm certainly glad I use a Mac, then.

Yes, my sister keeps me up to date on these.

I only saw a mac being used once, I don't know the features at all. Hell, I've only been online since 1999. I didn't grow up digital.

> I get the regular phishing e-mails, where they
> pretend to be from eBay and Paypal and so on,
> and give a phony link to put in my password.
> .

I have never opened one. I'm curious as to what they say, but since I didn't order anything from Toys R Us, I know it's bogus!

They're not all that different in terms of user interface. I mean, there are definitely differences, but most of the programs are essentially the same. I used Windows until a few years ago, and I have to say I like Macs much better. I think they're easier to use.

Looked nice to me, too. Next time I'm in Seattle, there's a mac place near my doctor's office... I will stop in and check them out.

No -- that is, not heard of what they CALL it before now, but have RECEIVED this kind of email many times.

I'm familiar with "phishing". This is the first time I've heard the term "spear phishing". I'm not sure that there's a difference, from the sounds of it.

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/scams/phishing/phish...

Let me know what you think!

No. I'll have my eyes and ears open.

No.

i guess you just told me about it so i should have answerd yes.........duh

No

No