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Union County to Residents: Be Vigilant of Malware and Financial Fraud in wake of Boston Marathon Tragedy

Union County – In wake of Monday’s Boston Marathon tragedy, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders urges residents to be on alert for new and recycled internet scams that use the event as a means to disseminate malware and conduct financial fraud.

“When tragedies strike, we always want to make our best effort to stay informed, reach out, and give support,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter, “however, we are urging the public to use caution before visiting websites and clicking links related to the Boston Marathon bombing, and are asking people be vigilant to whom they are making donations.”

According to the Center for Internet Security, watch groups and cyber security experts have already identified multiple fake domains/websites and charity efforts taking advantage of the Boston Marathon bombing; and based on previous tragedies, more scams will follow in the coming days.

The following guidelines have been suggested for analyzing websites pertaining to the event, and those soliciting donations:

• Be cautious of emails/websites that claim to provide information because they may contain viruses.

• Do not open unsolicited (spam) emails, or click on the links/attachments contained in those messages.

• Never reveal personal or financial information in email.

• Do not go to untrusted or unfamiliar websites to view the event or information regarding it.

• Never send sensitive information over the Internet before checking a website’s security and confirming its legitimacy. Malicious websites may look identical to a legitimate site, but the URL may use a variation in spelling or a different domain (e.g., .com vs. .net)

For further information on cyber threats or internet security, visit the Center for Internet Security at www.CISecurity.org.

For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.