Malicious USB drives shipped in the post

Businesses in Australia are being warned of a brand-new threat where cyber criminals are using old fashioned methods.

Normally criminals try to hack into a business’s systems through the internet – often by breaking into someone’s email, or looking for weak passwords.

But security researchers have spotted that one criminal gang is now posting out USB drives.

These drives turn up in a gift box with a fake thank you letter.

The criminals are hoping someone in the business will open the box, believe it’s a gift and put the USB drive into their computer.

But by doing this they would give the hacker direct access to their computer, through malicious software loaded on the USB.

We’re now warning all businesses in Australia to spread the word about this to their staff.

All businesses should offer their staff regular training on cyber security threats.

Software can protect businesses, but well trained staff will increase the protection 10x, and be the first line of defense.