Potential Malware Attempt

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HiredGun
Posts: 311
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2014 2:45 pm

Potential Malware Attempt

Post by HiredGun »

Heads up to CC writers of a potential malware attempt coming through CC's messaging system. Received the following message from "Dennomugambirr9" with a downloadable file (didn't click on the link). CC admin has been notified.


Hey, I looked at your profile and I'm impressed. Please take a look at my guidelines and let me know if that's something you can do:

Password: 123456
Gauderbock
Posts: 117
Joined: Tue Sep 29, 2015 8:26 am

Re: Potential Malware Attempt

Post by Gauderbock »

Yep, it had a VB script named "payment terms" in the attachment. And the script was highly obfuscated. Very dodgy :roll:
HiredGun
Posts: 311
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2014 2:45 pm

Re: Potential Malware Attempt

Post by HiredGun »

Gauderbock wrote:Yep, it had a VB script named "payment terms" in the attachment. And the script was highly obfuscated. Very dodgy :roll:
Good to know. I did a quick Google search for the user name and couldn't find a single reference for them online. Glad to know I'm not the only one who thought the message was questionable. ʘ‿ʘ
Abbamay
Posts: 248
Joined: Mon Oct 29, 2012 11:57 pm

Re: Potential Malware Attempt

Post by Abbamay »

Hi everyone,

Thanks for discussing this. I received the same message and .zip file from Devvnerys67 and my computer said it was a virus. I hope nobody has real issues with this! I sent the info to CC so maybe they can help.

Take care everyone,
Abba May
Isabelnewth
Posts: 304
Joined: Wed Sep 07, 2011 6:15 am

Re: Potential Malware Attempt

Post by Isabelnewth »

I downloaded it stupidly and have had endless trouble since. Now on internet at public library having been locked out of computer and phone and all contacts deleted! SO DONT DOWNLOAD. I have told CC too.
HiredGun
Posts: 311
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2014 2:45 pm

Re: Potential Malware Attempt

Post by HiredGun »

I've made it a firm policy on Constant Content to not click on links offered by potential clients. Any respectable client won't have a problem copy/pasting their information into a message on the CC messaging interface. Just tell 'em you have a 'no click policy'. :D
Abbamay
Posts: 248
Joined: Mon Oct 29, 2012 11:57 pm

Re: Potential Malware Attempt

Post by Abbamay »

That’s terrible, Isabel - I’m really sorry for you!
AnnaL
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 1:37 pm

Re: Potential Malware Attempt

Post by AnnaL »

I've had three of these come through my mailbox in the past month - CC needs to step up and do something about this. For example, they could limit the sending of links and attachments to customers with accounts that are 30+ days old and have made a purchase before.
HiredGun
Posts: 311
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2014 2:45 pm

Re: Potential Malware Attempt

Post by HiredGun »

AnnaL wrote:I've had three of these come through my mailbox in the past month - CC needs to step up and do something about this. For example, they could limit the sending of links and attachments to customers with accounts that are 30+ days old and have made a purchase before.
Would be nice if Constant Content's IT department did as you suggest, but they might just say writers shouldn't be having any communications with a client off the CC platform, and that includes downloading/click on outside links. Insist ALL communications happen on the CC platform, including things like viewing writer guidelines (client can copy/paste them into a CC message), and problem is solved. Scammers are the only ones who will have a problem with you insisting they use the CC platform for communications (as per CC's ToS).
Judith
Posts: 262
Joined: Sun Aug 01, 2010 11:30 am
Location: I may be found where mountains rise and rivers flow.
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Re: Potential Malware Attempt

Post by Judith »

I've received two requests like that so far. My policy is DELETE. I never open links.
AnnaL
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 1:37 pm

Re: Potential Malware Attempt

Post by AnnaL »

HiredGun wrote:writers shouldn't be having any communications with a client off the CC platform, and that includes downloading/click on outside links
Sure, but that doesn't solve the problem of malware in attachments. There is a major problem here and CC needs to do something to reduce the risk for its writers.
HiredGun
Posts: 311
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2014 2:45 pm

Re: Potential Malware Attempt

Post by HiredGun »

AnnaL wrote:
HiredGun wrote:writers shouldn't be having any communications with a client off the CC platform, and that includes downloading/click on outside links
Sure, but that doesn't solve the problem of malware in attachments. There is a major problem here and CC needs to do something to reduce the risk for its writers.
But if you don't click on the attachment to the link, no chance of infection, correct? :?: Adopt a "no click on outside links" policy and problem is solved. I do agree it would be nice if CC did something to help. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (Not holding my breath)
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