Ride the Lightning

Bad Guys Using Big Law Firm Names in Phishing Attacks

January 15, 2015

As the ABA Journal noted, there has been a rash of phishing e-mails spoofing the domain names of large law firms.

It makes perfect sense. What lawyer wouldn't instinctively open an e-mail from Reed Smith, Baker & McKenzie, Sidney Austin or Skadden Arps? Particularly if you have had a case with them or in opposition to them. The e-mail might be titled "Notice to Appear in Court" or have some similar subject.

And lawyers are always in a hurry. But hold on, restrain yourself, and ask whether you are expecting an e-mail from those firms. Probably not. And don't let the word "Notice to Appear in Court" rattle you.

Spoofers are always looking for something that will entice you to click – resist the impulse. Though I haven't seen the actual e-mail, there is undoubtedly a link to a malicious payload. It was good of Reed Smith to post a warning about these spoofed communications.

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