Dewa issues security alert after hackers’ attack
Sajila Saseendran / 24 February 2014
Dewa has sent out text messages and tweets warning its customers against a fraudulent email, warning them about the suspicious source.
Hackers sent fraudulent emails asking customers to disclose information
Just as the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has been gearing up to switch from paper to electronic bills, its customers have become the target of a phishing attack, prompting the authority to issue security alerts.
Subsequently, the telecom operators in the UAE have blocked the website from which the fraudulent emails originated. Dewa has sent out text messages and tweets warning its customers against a fraudulent email, warning them about the suspicious source. “Dear Customer, Please do not open or reply to any email sent from customercare@dewabill.com,” Dewa’s alert read.
The phishing attack surfaced at a time when the authority has been striving to replace paper bills of its customers with green bills as part of its commitment to sustainability and to preserve the environment for generations to come. These green/ electronic bills are more convenient, secure and reliable.
Dewa officials confirmed that the fresh warning was issued after they were alerted about the phishing emails that attempted to trick its customers into divulging their information. Usually, such mails direct the users to a website, which will ask them to provide private information, including passwords, credit card details and bank account numbers. It is not clear as to which information the perpetrators of this phishing attack tried to gain access to.
In a statement issued to Khaleej Times, Dewa said there have been incidents of hoax emails fraudulently using Dewa’s name and logo (customercare@dewabill.com ) to notify customers about paying their monthly bills. “Dewa has issued a message to all its customers, as it is keen to take precautionary measures for the safety of their transactions.”
“At this stage, there have been no definite reports of Dewa customers falling victims to this hoax. However, if customers receive a suspicious email, we advise them to take necessary caution and not access the link or enter their personal information,” the authority added. It may be noted that Dewa’s official website is www.dewa.gov.ae. Its original bills are emailed to customers from the official email ID noreply@dewa.gov.ae and customers can use the email customercare@dewa.gov.ae for any enquiries.
The fraudulent website www.dewabill.com has now been blocked by etisalat and du. The telecom operators informed net surfers that the site has been reported as unsafe. Discouraging the surfers from continuing further, etisalat posted a note saying “This website has been reported to Microsoft for containing threats to your computer that might reveal personal or financial information.”
sajila@khaleejtimes.com
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