How MySpace attacks can be tailored to individuals

Tools let criminals target users...

Tools such as Friend Requester enable users to target automated messages to MySpace members and can easily be downloaded online. Many of these applications are not illegal but some of their end users' activities certainly are, according to MessageLabs.

Users select what kind of MySpace members they want to target and break down their selections by age, sex, orientation, location, preferences and any number of other criteria. This enables social engineering attacks to target the individual more effectively. Messages can then be sent en masse to all members who meet those criteria, often in an attempt to trick them into following malicious links or divulging personal information.

The ability to tailor the messages to specific audiences is very sophisticated - and very worrying if used for malicious purposes. Applications such as this can be downloaded for less than $25.