Beware - fake email, microsoft update notifications

ScousaJAY

Member
**THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE I RECEIVED TO MY EMAIL INBOX**

**IF YOU RECEIVE THE SAME MESSAGE, **DO NOT DOWNLOAD IT** untill further checks have been done...................



Dear Microsoft Customer,

Please notice that Microsoft company has recently issued a Security Update for OS Microsoft Windows. The update applies to the following OS versions: Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Millenium, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista.

Please notice, that present update applies to high-priority updates category. In order to help protect your computer against security threats and performance problems, we strongly recommend you to install this update.

Since public distribution of this Update through the official website http://www.microsoft.com would have result in efficient creation of a malicious software, we made a decision to issue an experimental private version of an update for all Microsoft Windows OS users.

As your computer is set to receive notifications when new updates are available, you have received this notice.

In order to start the update, please follow the step-by-step instruction:
1. Run the file, that you have received along with this message.
2. Carefully follow all the instructions you see on the screen.

If nothing changes after you have run the file, probably in the settings of your OS you have an indication to run all the updates at a background routine. In that case, at this point the upgrade of your OS will be finished.

We apologize for any inconvenience this back order may be causing you.


Thank you,

Steve Lipner
Director of Security Assurance
Microsoft Corp.


-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: PGP 7.1

QHC3BUMPV910D4BE27W8WRDEMUM0ZASZAWWPHRFDH8NPLVOC35GM8BZV732Y5FR3Y
8JKVF00KQ68L71QTSNWEDDJ8ITLJDAR4F72F2C0GM0TBNF30I52JZ6W1P95YRTZTZ
CJDTVMHAKX7MW0CHA05HJDQR8D3GX8LVI7X2NTH6TT0704RD6C0MO4EWU0P0DR4S1
35XEUO0K5953OZ9PNYQ9D5ADARMP35HXLS86OSI315WZJPT9L8WG49F1EM9SS1MFK
76KNM0KU8V6LQ51IKGQ7X9ZFG5IMMD0JS34==
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----



there was also an attatched file, NAMED AS - KB320166.exe (33KB)

upon reviewing the email, i believe it may be fake due to the following:

**As your computer is set to receive notifications when new updates are available, you have received this notice.** TO AN EMAIL??? YOU WHAT...

.

WHEN YOUR COMPUTER IS CONFIGUED FOR MICROSOFT UPDATE, YOU DONT GET AN EMAIL TELLING YOU ABOUT THE UPDATE. YOU CAN HAVE UPDATE NOTIFICATION EMAILS (optional)... but check the email address the message came from...

the FAKE message i got was from: [email protected]

but.. the fact is, i only get notifications to a HOTMAIL account, so if this is a real notification, why did i receive it to a YAHOO.CO.UK account????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

not possible

if anyone knows if this is a real update, or has experimented with the file attached to the email, let me know how your computer is running and were you give any more info about it... e.g what is the update for...
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5630
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    4GB DDR2
    Graphics card(s)
    nVidia GeForce 8400GS
might i also add that google cant find anything to do with: KB320166.exe
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5630
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    4GB DDR2
    Graphics card(s)
    nVidia GeForce 8400GS
Thats really fake I'm suprised I haven't gotten that. (now I'll probably get since I said I haven't gotten it)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Compaq Presario/SR5113WM
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ 1.9Ghz
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N68-LA
    Memory
    PNY Optima Memory DDR2 2GB 2x1 kit
    Graphics card(s)
    PNY Nvidia 8400 GS 256MB
    Sound Card
    On board RealTek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer X163W LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 160 GB SATA 3G (3.0Gb/sec) 7200 rpm Western Digital 160 GB IDE
    PSU
    Dynex 400w
    Case
    Nothin Special
    Cooling
    Stock
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitech LX7
    Keyboard
    Standard 102 key with volume and sleep buttons
    Internet Speed
    Comcrap 10mb cable
    Other Info
    Insignia 2.1 speakers, wireless Xbox 360 controller w/plug n play charger, Belkin wireless G + mimo usb network adapter.
i know. its stupid, if they really want to trick us, they are gonna have to way better than that... it need's to be spot on, which they obviusly havnt got the brains to do... stupid criminals
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5630
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    4GB DDR2
    Graphics card(s)
    nVidia GeForce 8400GS
If I don't know the email address I just click on report phishing scam button.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Compaq Presario/SR5113WM
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ 1.9Ghz
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N68-LA
    Memory
    PNY Optima Memory DDR2 2GB 2x1 kit
    Graphics card(s)
    PNY Nvidia 8400 GS 256MB
    Sound Card
    On board RealTek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer X163W LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 160 GB SATA 3G (3.0Gb/sec) 7200 rpm Western Digital 160 GB IDE
    PSU
    Dynex 400w
    Case
    Nothin Special
    Cooling
    Stock
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitech LX7
    Keyboard
    Standard 102 key with volume and sleep buttons
    Internet Speed
    Comcrap 10mb cable
    Other Info
    Insignia 2.1 speakers, wireless Xbox 360 controller w/plug n play charger, Belkin wireless G + mimo usb network adapter.
i was trying to but it seems there is not a button to do that, becuase i received it through yahoo.co.uk...however i do know that there is one with hotmail.co.uk/.com.

do you think i should forwared it to my hotmail account and then report it???
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5630
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    4GB DDR2
    Graphics card(s)
    nVidia GeForce 8400GS
It wouldn't hurt I guess.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Compaq Presario/SR5113WM
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ 1.9Ghz
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N68-LA
    Memory
    PNY Optima Memory DDR2 2GB 2x1 kit
    Graphics card(s)
    PNY Nvidia 8400 GS 256MB
    Sound Card
    On board RealTek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer X163W LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 160 GB SATA 3G (3.0Gb/sec) 7200 rpm Western Digital 160 GB IDE
    PSU
    Dynex 400w
    Case
    Nothin Special
    Cooling
    Stock
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitech LX7
    Keyboard
    Standard 102 key with volume and sleep buttons
    Internet Speed
    Comcrap 10mb cable
    Other Info
    Insignia 2.1 speakers, wireless Xbox 360 controller w/plug n play charger, Belkin wireless G + mimo usb network adapter.
very true.. also i have just been looking at your PC specs.. i noticed you have a nVidia 8400gs did you install the update released through microsoft update about 1 or 2 weeks ago.... i did and i got loads of screen blinking and a slightly slower uptime... so i uninstalled and reinstalled and did not sort the problem out... so i have rolled back to original version and working fine... have you had any problems with yours
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5630
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    4GB DDR2
    Graphics card(s)
    nVidia GeForce 8400GS
I never download through windows update I go directly to nvidia's site cause windows update drivers are like 2 versions behind
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Compaq Presario/SR5113WM
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ 1.9Ghz
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N68-LA
    Memory
    PNY Optima Memory DDR2 2GB 2x1 kit
    Graphics card(s)
    PNY Nvidia 8400 GS 256MB
    Sound Card
    On board RealTek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer X163W LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 160 GB SATA 3G (3.0Gb/sec) 7200 rpm Western Digital 160 GB IDE
    PSU
    Dynex 400w
    Case
    Nothin Special
    Cooling
    Stock
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitech LX7
    Keyboard
    Standard 102 key with volume and sleep buttons
    Internet Speed
    Comcrap 10mb cable
    Other Info
    Insignia 2.1 speakers, wireless Xbox 360 controller w/plug n play charger, Belkin wireless G + mimo usb network adapter.
i currently have version 7.15.11.6369 i dont suppose you know what the latest is??
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5630
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    4GB DDR2
    Graphics card(s)
    nVidia GeForce 8400GS

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Compaq Presario/SR5113WM
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ 1.9Ghz
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N68-LA
    Memory
    PNY Optima Memory DDR2 2GB 2x1 kit
    Graphics card(s)
    PNY Nvidia 8400 GS 256MB
    Sound Card
    On board RealTek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer X163W LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 160 GB SATA 3G (3.0Gb/sec) 7200 rpm Western Digital 160 GB IDE
    PSU
    Dynex 400w
    Case
    Nothin Special
    Cooling
    Stock
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitech LX7
    Keyboard
    Standard 102 key with volume and sleep buttons
    Internet Speed
    Comcrap 10mb cable
    Other Info
    Insignia 2.1 speakers, wireless Xbox 360 controller w/plug n play charger, Belkin wireless G + mimo usb network adapter.
nice one for that mate, i just installed now... reputation added!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5630
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    4GB DDR2
    Graphics card(s)
    nVidia GeForce 8400GS
This is clearly a FAKE. There are a number of warning signs present. Firstly, as far as I am aware, Windows 98 is NO LONGER SUPPORTED, yet the message mentions that OS. Secondly, Microsoft DO NOT issue experimental private versions of updates. Thirdly, have a look here: HOW TO: Identify Encrypted Files in Windows XP. Notice the date, and also notice that it only applies to Windows XP Pro.
Capture.JPG Capture1.JPG
Another clue is the KB number. These are currently in the 8xxxxx and 9xxxxx range, whereas this is in the 3xxxxx range. Finally, Microsoft DO NOT issue updates by means of an attachment to an email.
As regards the PGP key, it is easy for someone to cut this from a genuine email notification and paste it into the rogue email. Also, NEVER click on links in emails, even from friends - ALWAYS manually type the address into your browser.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dwarf Dwf/11/2012 r09/2013
    CPU
    Intel Core-i5-3570K 4-core @ 3.4GHz (Ivy Bridge) (OC 4.2GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Extreme4-M
    Memory
    4 x 4GB DDR3-1600 Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B (16GB)
    Graphics card(s)
    MSI GeForce GTX770 Gaming OC 2GB
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition on board solution (ALC 898)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic VA1912w Widescreen
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    OCZ Agility 3 120GB SATA III x2 (RAID 0) Samsung HD501LJ 500GB SATA II x2 Hitachi HDS721010CLA332 1TB SATA II Iomega 1.5TB Ext USB 2.0 WD 2.0TB Ext USB 3.0
    PSU
    XFX Pro Series 850W Semi-Modular
    Case
    Gigabyte IF233
    Cooling
    1 x 120mm Front Inlet 1 x 120mm Rear Exhaust
    Mouse
    Microsoft Comfort Mouse 3000 for Business (USB)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 3000 (USB)
    Internet Speed
    NetGear DG834Gv3 ADSL Modem/Router (Ethernet) ~4.0 Mb/s (O2)
    Other Info
    Optical Drive: HL-DT-ST BD-RE BH10LS30 SATA Bluray Lexmark S305 Printer/Scanner/Copier (USB) WEI Score: 8.1/8.1/8.5/8.5/8.25 Asus Eee PC 1011PX Netbook (Windows 7 x86 Starter)
Hi,

That is certainly a fake - the poor English is a dead giveaway. Non native English speakers may not pick that up .

SIW2
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Vista
    CPU
    Intel E8400
    Motherboard
    ASRock1333-GLAN R2.0
    Memory
    4gb DDR2 800
    Graphics card(s)
    nvidia 9500GT 1gb
  • Operating System
    win7/vista
    CPU
    intel i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    ballistix 2x8gb 3200
In addition to my previous post, genuine notifications from Microsoft start with the following:
Capture.JPG
Also, compare these random sections of the PGP signature.
This is the genuine version. Note how it contains symbols (/ and + in this extract) as well as alphanumeric characters in both upper and lower case.
Capture1.JPG
This is the fake version. Notice how it consists solely of alphanumeric characters (in UPPER case only) - there isn't a symbol in sight.
Capture2.JPG
In addition to that, the length of the signature in the fake email is too short, also the PGP version is not current.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dwarf Dwf/11/2012 r09/2013
    CPU
    Intel Core-i5-3570K 4-core @ 3.4GHz (Ivy Bridge) (OC 4.2GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Extreme4-M
    Memory
    4 x 4GB DDR3-1600 Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B (16GB)
    Graphics card(s)
    MSI GeForce GTX770 Gaming OC 2GB
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition on board solution (ALC 898)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic VA1912w Widescreen
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    OCZ Agility 3 120GB SATA III x2 (RAID 0) Samsung HD501LJ 500GB SATA II x2 Hitachi HDS721010CLA332 1TB SATA II Iomega 1.5TB Ext USB 2.0 WD 2.0TB Ext USB 3.0
    PSU
    XFX Pro Series 850W Semi-Modular
    Case
    Gigabyte IF233
    Cooling
    1 x 120mm Front Inlet 1 x 120mm Rear Exhaust
    Mouse
    Microsoft Comfort Mouse 3000 for Business (USB)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 3000 (USB)
    Internet Speed
    NetGear DG834Gv3 ADSL Modem/Router (Ethernet) ~4.0 Mb/s (O2)
    Other Info
    Optical Drive: HL-DT-ST BD-RE BH10LS30 SATA Bluray Lexmark S305 Printer/Scanner/Copier (USB) WEI Score: 8.1/8.1/8.5/8.5/8.25 Asus Eee PC 1011PX Netbook (Windows 7 x86 Starter)
they are pathetic
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5630
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    4GB DDR2
    Graphics card(s)
    nVidia GeForce 8400GS
There is not a single serious company out there which would send you any kind of updates by email. End of story.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Home made
    CPU
    AMD Athlon X2 6000+
    Motherboard
    ASRock ALiveXfire-eSATA2
    Memory
    2x2GiB DDR2 PC2-6400
    Graphics card(s)
    GeCube ATI Radeon HD3870 512MiB GDDR4
    Sound Card
    Built in HD Audio, digital output
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206BW, SyncMaster 940B
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050 + 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    WDC 250GB SATA + lots of externals. :)
    PSU
    Antec Earthwatts 500W
    Case
    Antec Sonata III
    Cooling
    Air
    Mouse
    Logitech G9
    Keyboard
    Logitech G15 (1st edition w blue lightning)
    Internet Speed
    DL/UL: 50/10Mbit
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