Protect Yourself From COVID-19 Cyber Scams
A New Wave of Cyber Attacks is Happening Worldwide
Cybercriminals know that many people are adjusting to a new normal, making it easy to trick them with savvy COVID-19 phishing emails and text messages. Cyber attackers are leveraging the fear and uncertainty created by this event to trick unwary users. This is why it’s so important to maintain cyber security awareness training campaigns and phishing simulations.
Worldwide COVID-19 has closed offices, schools, and companies. People are living in lock down, quarantine, self-isolation, and implementing social distancing. Employees are working from home under the new COVID-19 protection measures.
The new realities of COVID-19 have changed every aspect of our lives. However, one thing has not changed – cybercriminals continue to actively target victims with phishing attacks. COVID-19 phishing emails, BEC scams, smishing, and vishing attacks are happening worldwide.
Cybercriminals know that many people are adjusting to a new normal, making it easy to trick them with savvy COVID-19 phishing emails and text messages. Cyber attackers are leveraging the fear and uncertainty created by this event to trick unwary users. This is why it’s so important to maintain cyber security awareness training campaigns and phishing simulations.
Worldwide COVID-19 has closed offices, schools, and companies. People are living in lock down, quarantine, self-isolation, and implementing social distancing. Employees are working from home under the new COVID-19 protection measures.
The new realities of COVID-19 have changed every aspect of our lives. However, one thing has not changed – cybercriminals continue to actively target victims with phishing attacks. COVID-19 phishing emails, BEC scams, smishing, and vishing attacks are happening worldwide.
“Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of the spread of coronavirus to exploit and play on
the fears of consumers across Australia.
Scammers are doing things such as falsely selling coronavirus-related products online, and using
fake emails or text messages to try and obtain personal data.
Other scams include phishing emails and phone calls impersonating the World Health Organisation,
government authorities, and legitimate businesses – including travel agents and telecommunications
companies.” (COVID-19/coronavirus Scams, Scamwatch Australia)
Individuals who are directly affected by this pandemic are the prime target of COVID-19 cyber-attacks, whether working from home or using the Internet for personal email and social media.
The Economic Costs of Phishing
A successful phishing attack can have devastating impacts on businesses, regardless of size, location, and industry. Consider these statistics on the economic costs of phishing so far in 2020:
Your employees’ personal life can also be impacted as many of these scams are used to commit financial fraud or identity theft.
- $17,700 is lost every minute due to phishing attacks.
- Data breaches cost enterprises an average of $3.92 million.
- Phishing attacks account for more than 80% of reported security incidents.
- 94% of malware is delivered by email.
- The economic fall-out of COVID-19 is massive and it will be long-lasting. The last thing any company can afford is the economic cost of a phishing attack.
Your employees’ personal life can also be impacted as many of these scams are used to commit financial fraud or identity theft.
Do you know how to avoid being hooked?
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How many emails or texts have you received in which you were asked to click on a link to validate your account information or provide personal information? Were these legitimate messages?
Phishing scams masquerade as a trusted institution and are designed to trigger an immediate action. Don’t be fooled! Learn to recognize the telltale signs of an attack to protect both yourself and our organization. |
Think Twice!
Vigilance and good judgment are your most important protection against phishing attacks.
Be the strong link!
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Never provide personal information in response to unsolicited messages and leave suspicious websites immediately.
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Ensure your connection is encrypted before entering any personal information on a website.The URL address should start with https:// or show a padlock symbol.
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Be suspicious of any email or text message containing urgent requests or that promise money in exchange for personal or confidential information.
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Always access sites the way you usually do and never through a link provided in an email or text message.
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