Move over all you computer hackers, the “click jackers” are here, intent on becoming the crime bosses of the Internet. Hackers break into your private digital information so that they can use it for all sorts of nefarious purposes. The jackers trick you into allowing them to actually take over your computer.
Here’s how they do it, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens. There you are, innocently surfing the Web or checking your email, when suddenly your eye is caught by an interesting link. It takes your fancy because you are interested in the topic the link suggests. Perhaps it’s the latest news about your favorite movie star or a chance to win big bucks just for clicking. If you do that, you might almost hear the click jackers shouting “gotcha!”
Your click enables the bad guys to use your computer to do all sorts of fraudulent business like online shopping and banking, leaving you holding the bag. So, make sure your computer security applications can detect this new type of threat. In addition, advises AMAC, don’t fall for the scam in the first place. Ignore all messages that mysteriously pop up on your favorite Web site and delete – don’t open-those odd, unexpected emails that arrive in your inbox.
