The FBI has issued an advisory, warning law firms of “noticeable increases” in attempts to hack into their computer systems. The most common method is something called “spear phishing” which uses targeted emails with subject lines that are germane to a person’s business and come from a trusted source. Opening the email itself poses no dangers, but attachments that come with the email can contain malicious code that will penetrate the network. Once in, the program searches for and then copies files to the hacker’s computer. Top targets are firms representing companies in large multi national deals. Sensitive information regarding patents, business methods, negotiating positions, etc.. can be stolen and used or sold this way.
