Source: http://www.net-security.org/secworld.php?id=10941

 
The German computer software company Ashampoo has been targeted by attackers that managed to gain access to its customers database and possibly extracted data such as names and email addresses.

If you have gotten free or ‘pay for’ software from them in the past, your info may have been compromised, although Rolf Hilchner (CEO) hastened to assure customers that there was no breach of financial information.

This is somewhat embarrassing for Ashampoo since they, among other things, produce Security Software. I guess they can take some comfort in the fact that they are not the first firm - or the biggest ones - to have been breached recently.

Here’s a partial list of their software so you can check if your info might be in jeopardy:

A complete list can be obtained at their website.

A message has also emailed to the company's customers and includes a warning about possible targeted attacks that can be mounted by using the stolen information. I’m not so sure about that, since I received no such message.

"Generally it is always important that you stay suspicious of unknown senders and that you do not respond to requests that tell you to open attachments," wrote Hilchner in this message.

That’s good advice, but not fully thought out since the ramifications are that your info is now being circulated amongst criminals for nefarious purposes.

I suggest that if you receive ads in the mail, don’t open them unless they are from a company website. Then navigate on your own not using linked addresses, and see what the offers are. Not perfect but should increase protection from Phishing. Also get some extensions or software to help protect against phishing, which can be quite clever, and wait awhile before checking the offer out as by then, phishing activity may well have been reported.

And have a good weekend, folks.

Happy Easter, Happy Passover… and safe ones, I hope.