The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has warned people not to open phishing emails claiming to be from ACMA as the email is designed to gather Internet account details.
According to an ACMA spokesperson, the subject heading of the phishing email reads Broadband Account Upgrade Pending and the subheading is Urgent news, your Broadband Account needs to be upgraded for security measures!
Learn how smart CIOs are protecting customers from security breaches
"This is not an ACMA email but links to a phishing webpage that seeks details about your Internet accounts," said the spokesperson.
"It is important that you do not click on the link, and do not provide any details. In the event that you have already done so, please contact your internet service provider as soon as possible."
The ACMA has apologised for the emails as it is responsible for enforcing the Spam Act 2003 which states that it is illegal to send, or cause to be sent, unsolicited commercial electronic messages. The Act covers email, instant message, mobile text messages and video messages of a commercial nature.
In the 2011 financial year, the ACMA sent 4200 informal warnings to businesses about possible Spam Act breaches.
Follow Hamish Barwick on Twitter: @HamishBarwick
Follow Computerworld Australia on Twitter: @ComputerworldAU, or take part in the Computerworld conversation on LinkedIn: Computerworld Australia