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Can Cyber Criminals Target ActiveRain Members With Survey Scams ?

By
Industry Observer TN LIC# 290452

 

ActiveRain is one of the most popular networking sites in the world for real estate professionals.

Because of it's intimacy, with under a half million participants, could that make ActiveRain vulnerable to scams and hoaxes designed to compromise the personal information of it's members ?

YES !

We already know that there are tons of malicious applications (malware) lying in wait like trap door spiders ready to pounce on victims in survey scams or other browser-participant sources.

And targeting of millions of mobile devices by filthy hackers.

Two dirty malicious programs known to be embedded in survey browsers, capable of downloading in stealth-fashion, are known as Botpanda and Spyera.

These are dangerous programs that allow criminals to access data on your mobile device, from anywhere.

  • Spyera, a Hong Kong software development company, can record your mobile calls.
  • Botpanda is dangerous and allows the criminal access to information on your mobile device.

(I would caution you not to download any removal tools from these links unless you understand what you're doing and trust the sources !)

BotPanda also runs on Android-based devices and allows criminals complete control of the device from anywhere on the web.

It's hidden so it's detection and obliteration is tough to carry out without a pro.

  • It'll spy on your dealings and proceedings performed by your mobile device, including your laptop.
  • And it'll record your phone calls.

 

If you own a mobile device here are some things you can do to be safe.

  • Install an anti-virus tool that you can trust and keep it updated.
  • Be extremely careful about the apps you're installing.
  • Research every app that you’re interested in downloading.
  • Read reviews and research what others are saying.
  • You want to be safe !
  • Stay away from surveys and browser-deployed apps that don't originate from trusted sources.
  • Check with Bob Stewart or any ActiveRain official if you have questions about an ActiveRain-supported app or survey.
  • Search the internet for news about every app.
  • Do not download an app that hasn't been tested and wait to see how others feel about it and whether or not they consider it safe.
  • I never use my mobile device to transact any financial business with my bank or anyone else,
  • NEVER !!!
  • I couldn't give a damn about what banks say about the safety of their apps in their ads ! They can be compromised !
  • Be vigilant and extremely careful about who and what you trust on the internet at all times !!!

UPDATE:

I originally uploaded this post at about 11:40 CST 11/12/2013.

Five minutes later, the netbook I posted with was hit with a

DOS (denial of service) attack!

It took me 50 minutes to log back on with the netbook that I posted this blog entry with !

Ironic ?

Posted by





Time&Temp Memphis

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Comments(5)

Julie A. Black
KAUAI DREAMS REALTY Kauai Real Property Specialist - Kapaa, HI
CLHMS, CRS, GRI, Realtor, Broker

And I just took a survey on Active Rain. Thanks for the heads up.

Nov 12, 2013 01:43 PM
Pamela Seley
West Coast Realty Division - Murrieta, CA
Residential Real Estate Agent serving SW RivCo CA

David, my bank is always advertising to me to use their new phone app to do my banking. I've been suspicious, but thanks to your post, I won't go for it. Too risky, especially when there are too many hackers out there. Thanks for this timely post,

Nov 12, 2013 01:57 PM
Rebecca Foresee
Alain Pinel Realtors - Morgan Hill, CA
Let's foresee the possibilities . and get results!

David,  I wonder if the strange call a client of mine received from my phone number was an attempt.  I'll look into Android security.  Thanks for the always informative posts!

Nov 12, 2013 02:03 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning David. Ironic, I'll say. You just can't be too careful. I don't do these surveys period. Glad you were able to fix the problem.

Nov 12, 2013 09:11 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Thank you for the information.

Nov 12, 2013 10:52 PM