Cyber Security & COVID-19
Hackers and cybercriminals have been leveraging the fear connected with the growing COVID-19 pandemic as a tool to steal passwords and data.
Cybercriminals are widely distributing mass emails posing as legitimate medical and or health organizations, as well as panicked clients, trying to take advantage of social engineering tactics.
Here are some helpful reminders that can help combat cybercriminals.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND AVOID PHISHING EMAILS
Beware of online requests for personal information. A coronavirus-themed email that seeks personal information like your Social Security number or login information is a phishing scam. Legitimate government agencies won’t ask for that information. Never respond to the email with your personal data.
Check the email address or link. You can inspect a link by hovering your mouse button over the URL to see where it leads. Sometimes, it’s obvious the web address is not legitimate. But keep in mind phishers can create links that closely resemble legitimate addresses. Delete the email or move it to Junk/Spam.
Watch for spelling and grammatical mistakes. If an email includes spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors, it’s likely a sign you’ve received a phishing email. Delete the email or move it to Junk/Spam.
Look for generic greetings. Phishing emails are unlikely to use your name. Greetings like “Dear sir or madam” signal an email is not legitimate.
Avoid emails that insist you act now. Phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency or demand immediate action. The goal is to get you to click on a link and provide personal information right now. Instead, delete the email or move it to Junk/Spam.
Social engineering will be on the rise. The use of deception to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes is sometimes hard to spot right away. Respectfully asking to verify the identity of people you are speaking with is especially important during a time like this.
WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS COVID-19
It’s best to go directly to reliable sources for information. That includes government offices and health care agencies.
WHEN IN DOUBT, CONTACT US
We’re here to help you with any security concerns you may have. If you suspect that an email or website is malicious, fear that you or a client may have been a victim of fraud, or you just want our advice and perspective, contact your advisor and visit our cybersecurity resource page.
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