In April this year when swine flu was first causing a stir, a new kind of virus began to take hold, but this one affected our computers. Cyber criminals manipulated those who were concerned about the H1N1 virus and instead gave them one that could rob them blind.

Scammers would send out emails supposedly containing helpful information about the illness and its treatments. These emails would either have a virus installed which would allow them to access the recipient’s personal data, or lead them to a site that would ask them for information such as their bank details and private passwords.

Internet security companies are suspecting a similar bout of scams during the renowned ‘flu season’ as predictions emerge of a second wave of the virus. So while the hospitals prepare for a pandemic, we must prepare ourselves for an online spam invasion.

To avoid being fooled by these criminals make sure you have appropriate internet security, be cautious when opening emails or attachments from unknown senders and, for accurate swine flu information, visit official NHS sites.

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Image credit: Don Hankins