Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Coronavirus Update 8-18-2020: Phishing attacks are yet another COVID-19 issue that needs to be on your radar


According to the Detroit Free Press, cybercriminals are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to try to access people's computers and steal their data.

The scheme? 

Cyber criminals are targeting employees who are working remotely with fraudulent termination phishing emails and invites to video teleconference meetings, according to federal authorities. As part of the phishing email or text, you might be asked to click on a link to receive more information about a severance package. If you fall for it, and click on a link, you might end up downloading malicious code onto your computer to allow the hacker to create a backdoor to access information. … One area of particular concern going forward involves fraud relating to scammers who are attempting to impersonate contact tracers who will alert you to the possibility that you were near someone who tested positive for COVID-19. 

The criminals are hoping that the urgent nature of the emails tied to issues of importance related to the pandemic will cause people to click that link before they realize they made a dangerous mistake.

What can you do to protect your employees and your corporate information on their WFH and other devices? Now is the time to reinforce the importance of cybersecurity awareness for your employees. The tips that I've previously shared here are still as relevant as ever. 
 
* Image by vicky gharat from Pixabay