HMRC And The Gateway Virus Messages

Over the last few weeks, I have noticed an increase in the number of fake messages which claim to come from HMRC with dodgy links and dangerous attachments ...

If you've received a message claiming to be from HMRC, be very careful what you do with it!

At first glance, they look quite realistic with what seems to be a genuine return address such as noreply@hmrc.gov.uk or something similar like gateway.confirmation@gateway.gov.uk.

This is something HMRC would never send out. The ZIP file expands to an EXE (a program file), and unfortunately, only one out of 47 antivirus products most commonly in use will flag it as a malware. It is likely to be missed by most people, mainly because we rely on our security software to keep us safe without giving it a second thought.

You need to engage common sense and also use the website virustotal.com to double-check suspicious files and attachments. If you suspect that your own antivirus software has not flagged this attachment, then you need to be very, very careful.

More sensibly, you should delete the email (along with the attachment) and directly log into your HMRC account in the normal way to check the validity of the message.

Be on your guard, and if you or someone in your office does try to opent he attachment, then let us know, as you might have infected your machine. We also can recommend and help implement antivirus, antimalware and antispam solutions for you.

If you're at all worried about a message you've received from HMRC or this you may have been infected, then do give me a call on 01604 420057 or click here to ping me an email and let's see how I can help you.

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More about Alison Mead ...

Alison loves bookkeeping and supporting bookkeepers. She has been helping clients to be better bookkeepers in Sage 50 for over 24 years and has been Xero Accredited in accounts and payroll for a number of years too.

She specialises in a very unique hand-holding method of training, helping bookkeepers and business owners to use their accounts software as and when they need support in setting up and producing their invoices, reports and financial information.

Alison combines her role at Silicon Bullet with her Forever Living network marketing businesses and is often to be seen at business networking meetings as she likes to keep busy.

You know what they say: if you want something done well ask a busy person!

Telephone:	01604 420057
Website:	https://www.siliconbullet.com

HMRC And The Gateway Virus Messages

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