The Michigan State Police (MSP), Michigan Cyber Command Center (MC3) is alerting the public to an increase in fraudulent emails containing malicious links or attachments sent to businesses and individuals across Michigan, according to an MSP media release.

 

Recent emails have subject lines that include word like “Invoice” or “Receipt” and contain an attachment or link to download a PDF, MS Word or Excel document that contains malware.

 

Recent infections have been a result of the Emotet virus known to steal contact information from any email address book that the user maintains, which allows the scammer to send spoofed emails to the user’s contacts. Other side effects of the malware include stealing passwords or banking information, encryption of user files and spreading of the virus to other computers that may be connected to the user’s network.

 

The MC3 recommends carefully screening all emails prior to clicking on links or opening any attachments. Any email with attachments or embedded web links should be handled with care until the recipient can verify the authenticity of the email. Users should consider if they are expecting an email or document from the “sender” prior to opening any attachments or clicking on any links.

 

Additional information about the virus can be found at https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-201A.