Bogus Resume Emails Contain Ransomware
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The claim
Subject: RE: resume
Good afternoon my name is [Name renoved] attached is my resume! Awaiting your prompt reply
Kind regards
[Name Removed]
Subject: [Name removed] – My resume Hi, my name is [Name removed] Please find my resume from attach section. Kindly give me a reply
Sincerely,
[Name Removed]
Hi, my name is [first and last names removed]. I am herewith submitting my Resume under attachment for your perusal.
Thank you,
[name removed].
What the fact-checkers found
These seemingly innocent emails, which appear to include an attached resume from a job seeker, actually harbour a sinister payload.
In these simply rendered messages, the supposed jobseeker introduces him or herself by name and ask that you review the resume contained in an attached.zip file.
However, the emails are not from any legitimate jobseeker. The zip file harbours a malicious JavaScript file. If you unzip the attachment and click the JavaScript file, it will connect to remote servers and try to download and install a version of the CryptoWall ransomware.
The campaign is apparently targeting staff of companies or businesses who may routinely receive resumes via email and may open the attachments without due caution.
Once installed, the malware can encrypt files on the infected computer and then demand a ransom from the user in exchange for an encryption key. Some victims who pay up as requested may receive the promised encryption key. However, there is no guarantee that the criminals behind the campaign will honour their promise.
If you receive one of the bogus resume emails, do not open any attachments or click any links that it contains.
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