http://www.fbi.gov/omaha/press-releases/2011/west-des-moines-businessman-sentenced-to-70-months-imprisonment-following-conviction-in-multi-million-dollar-wire-fraud-scheme

http://www.fbi.gov/omaha/press-releases/2011/west-des-moines-businessman-sentenced-to-70-months-imprisonment-following-conviction-in-multi-million-dollar-wire-fraud-scheme

E-mail Scammers Target Businesses

From the FBI's website:

E-Mails Containing Malware Sent to Businesses Concerning Their Online Job Postings

01/19/2011—Recent FBI analysis reveals that cyber criminals engaging in ACH/wire transfer fraud have targeted businesses by responding via e-mail to employment opportunities posted online. 

Recently, more than $150,000 was stolen from a U.S. business via unauthorized wire transfer as a result of an e-mail the business received that contained malware. The malware was embedded in an e-mail response to a job posting the business placed on an employment website and allowed the attacker to obtain the online banking credentials of the person who was authorized to conduct financial transactions within the company. The malicious actor changed the account settings to allow the sending of wire transfers, one to the Ukraine and two to domestic accounts. The malware was identified as a Bredolab variant, svrwsc.exe. This malware was connected to the ZeuS/Zbot Trojan, which is commonly used by cyber criminals to defraud U.S. businesses. 

The FBI recommends that potential employers remain vigilant in opening the e-mails of prospective employees. Running a virus scan prior to opening any e-mail attachments may provide an added layer of security against this type of attack. The FBI also recommends that businesses use separate computer systems to conduct financial transactions.  

For more information on this type of fraud and prevention tips, please refer to previous public service announcements at the links below:

• http://www.ic3.gov/media/2010/CorporateAccountTakeOver.pdf
• http://www.ic3.gov/media/2010/WorkAtHome.pdf
• http://www.ic3.gov/media/2009/091103.aspx

Anyone who believes they have been a target this type of attack should immediately contact their financial institutions and local FBI office and promptly report it to the IC3’s website at www.ic3.gov. The IC3’s complaint database links complaints together to refer them to the appropriate law enforcement agency for case consideration. The IC3 also uses complaint information to identify emerging trends and patterns.

The 1% Responds

http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000052425

Bizarre Greek Situation

I saw something this morning on CNBC's Squawk Box that I thought was rather strange. An important vote on austerity measures is scheduled to take place in the Greek Parliament today. The first report from Athens had the reporter in the foreground and the Greek Parliament in the background. There was a crowd gathered in front of the Parliament Building. The crowd was demonstrating peacefully. There were members of the Communist Party armed with big sticks standing guard between the crowd and the Parliament Building. Apparently, the Communists were trying to prevent the storming of Parliament. Riot police were present, but there was no tension in the air. That was the first report.

About 20 minutes or so CNBC checked back in with their reporter in Athens. By then, the Anarchists had arrived. There were now violent clashes between the Communists and the Anarchists. The Communists were using their big sticks and, apparently, the Anarchists responded by throwing petrol bombs. A number of people had been set on fire. The Greek riot police were trying to contain the melee and keep it away from certain areas.

I guess I am not used to seeing Communists engaged in violent clashes with Anarchists. The two strike me as being somewhat kindred spirits. The Marxists and the Anarchists seem to get along well enough in the Occupy Wall Street crowd.

Getting Started

This is my first attempt at setting up a blog.  In time, this interface should have a more professional appearance.  But I think it will do for now.

I hope that this blog will serve as a resource for entrepreneurs (Spanish- and English-speaking).

Please refrain from profanity and treat others who use this blog with decency and respect. Otherwise, please feel free to say or ask whatever you want if it pertains to business topics.

Thank you for your participation.