Will Phishing Repel Brands From Twitter?

Will business use of Twitter perish? 

Various rounds of phishing schemes have pelted Twitter users over the last couple years. 

Usually this means someone you know had their account hacked and you receive a DM (Direct Message) that attempts to compel you to click on a link in the DM. Individual users find this an annoyance, to be sure. 

But corporate brands whose branded accounts are hacked to send out phishing messages are more than annoyed, they are horrified. This week, several CPA and law firms unintentionally DM'd their followers with with these messages.

This week has seen some ususually heavy activity with two schemes running rampant: "This you?????" messages and a more sexually explicit message (both are links to Mashable explaining the hacks). New hacks occur every week.

Unlike blogs where authors can manage comment spam, these Twitter invaders send out literally ANYthing under YOUR name. It's unnerving. And it can happen to anyone at anytime. Be a savvy Twitter user!

Prevention

• Savvy Twitters users don't click on links in DMs (unless it is EXTREMELY obvious it is a personal and legit message from someone they know - personal context of the message is the clue)
• Savvy Twitter users don't SEND links in DMs - not even auto-replies to new followers because savvy users know that people shouldn't click on links from ANY automated messages
• Savvy Twitter users will never enter their Twitter login credentials when asked for them through a cheesy DM

Here's a nice, short blog post corrected link on How to Prevent Your Twitter Account From Being Hacked

Will Firms Continue to Use Twitter?

This week, one or two firms quickly sent out apology messages. 

Makes me wonder if firms—who, up to this point, are mostly just playing around with Twitter to see how it might be useful to them—will elect to pass on the forum in such a Wild West environment. 

Are attacks like this concerning your firm and limiting your interest in Twitter?

Comments

[John Shaver]

Michelle, I've seen this quite a bit lately and I agree it can be a big headache from a business perspective.

The Ruth's Chris Steak House here in Knoxville sent out DMs for Acai Berry. I don't remember that being on their menu! They ended up completely abandoning their Twitter account as a result.

BTW, the link to the short blog post that you referenced doesn't seem to contain a URL.

[Michelle Golden]

John, thanks for your comment and for sharing the Ruth's Chris example. I hadn't heard that. I won't be surprised if that happens more and more--especially with professionals.

Really appreciate you letting me know about the bad link! Egads!