The security company Bitdefender has identified new tactics being used by a notorious hacking group known as DarkHotel to hack into the computers of hotel guests.  DarkHotel has been operating for about ten years now and until recently had been specifically targeting business travelers in order to gain access to their companies’ computers and the data contained therein. Recently , however, DarkHotel has expanded its targets to include political figures, as well.  DarkHotel has exploited vulnerabilities in hotel Wi-Fi to achieve its attacks.
A key element in the success of DarkHotel has been their successful use of spear phishing emails that have been used to lure unsuspecting victims into clicking on links and downloading malware.
TIPS
Whether you are a high profile business person, a politician or a regular citizen, spear phishing is one of the biggest threats to your security and well being.  Spear phishing emails or text messages are personally crafted emails or text messages that have been created using information about you, your job, your interests and other aspects of your life to lure you into clicking on a link and downloading malware.  Most of the major data breaches as well as personal data breaches have been initiated through phishing so the lesson is clear.  Trust me, you can’t trust anyone.  Never click on links in emails or text messages unless you have absolutely confirmed that they are legitimate.