“Beware: AOL Phishing Email States Your Account Will be Closed.”

That’s the headline of a story in Bleeping Computer, which notes that AOL users tend to be older, and are thus prime targets for phishing attacks. Even if you don’t have an AOL account, there are important lessons to be learned here. As we’ve often mentioned, phishing attacks tend to have an urgent call to action, just as this one does: “We don’t want to say goodbye!” the phony email reads. “We noticed you haven’t updated your account information recently, and since your security is our top priority, we plan to close this account as soon as possible. It’s going to take three days unless you act soon. Unless you verify this account, it will be closed in 72 hrs.”

If a reader clicks on the link they are taken to a page where they are asked to provide their username and password—exactly what the attackers are after. If you, or someone you know, has fallen for this, the article provides guidance on what to do next (including changing your password . . . and if you can’t, it means your account has already been taken over, and you need to contact AOL.).

Learn more about protecting your data by calling Computer Business Consultants at 407-654-5600.