Gladiator Research and Security

Dark Reading, an IT security website, recently released an article on the new dangers of social engineering in this current time of financial difficulties. Specifically, the article warned of the dangers of spear phishing directed at financial institutions [spear phishing is a targeted social engineering attack directed at a specific company].  New attacks are preying on people’s fears over the current economy.  Financial institutions are seen as particularly vulnerable to these attacks since employees are more concerned with job security and institution performance in a weaker economy.  Auditors are finding it easier to trick employees by claiming to be federal regulators or by sending emails with information on how the institution is gaining ground on competitors.