We in LIFARS are carefully following the latest developments in the cyber security realm. Thus, we are not surprised, that threat actors started to use COVID-19 as a leverage for multiplication of their profits. We observe the rise in social engineering attacks like phishing and spearphishing with COVID-19 themed information sharing efforts as a pretext for these attacks and scams.
In combination with increasing number of employees working from home office, these risks are even greater. We prepared two short video presentations that will provide you with some information and tips on how to not fall for those scams and how to secure yourself if you’re working from home office due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warns individuals to remain vigilant for scams related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cyber actors may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes. Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19.”
CISA encourages individuals to remain vigilant and take the following precautions.
Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments. See Using Caution with Email Attachments and Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Scams for more information.
Use trusted sources—such as legitimate, government websites—for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID-19.
Do not reveal personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information.
Verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations. Review the Federal Trade Commission’s page on Charity Scams for more information.
Learn more and stay safe:
- Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Scams
- Defending Against COVID-19 Cyber Scams
- Risk Management for Novel Coronavirus
- Authoritative information on COVID-19
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
If your business has been victims of online fraud, contact LIFARS immediately.
