Email virus--do not download "subpoenas" sent via Email

A serious security threat is spreading around the internet and it has already impacted some of us and our clients. We wanted to let everyone know.

First, for background, see this article: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/2008/04/identity_theft_smash_grab_ceo.html?hpid=sec-tech

Second: If you receive an email that states that you, or your company is under a subpoena, and to go download the subpoena (and threatens that if you fail to do so, you will be in contempt of court), DO NOT DO SO. The website will prompt you to download a “plugin.” What it actually downloads is a trojan that captures your keyboard strokes, and waits until you log into your bank account. Note that it is reported that as of today many of the top security providers had not updated their virus definitions to prevent this plugin from running.

Please know that a subpoena **cannot be served via email**. Any order of a court that would result in a sanction of contempt has to be personally served on you. Thus, you will know it if you are under subpoena.

The email appears very legitimate. It may have your full name, your phone number, the correct company name, and other information that makes it look legitimate. If you think that you are receiving a real email from a government agency, check the header. The header of spoofed emails will likely show that the email came from somewhere other than the government. If you are not sure, call us, or preferably *forward* us the email, or call the applicable agency.

If you have already downloaded the false plugin, please contact your IT vendor promptly and do not use the computer for anything sensitive.

Computer Service Tax Repealed

Yesterday, Governor O'Malley signed a into law a bill repealing Maryland's tax on computer services (Senate Bill 46). Computer services were to be made subject to Maryland's sales and use tax effective on July 1, 2008, as part of the tax legislation signed into law after the General Assembly's special session last fall. The tax on computer services was widely criticized by members of the computer industry, who lobbied hard for the repeal of the tax, and by Comptroller Peter Franchot.