Alert | Cybercrime Increase Due to COVID-19
March 25th, 2020 by admin
We are closely monitoring the impacts to our customers of COVID-19. One that has come to our attention is that cybercrime has dramatically increased over the last few days, and hackers are using COVID-19 to disguise emails to gain access to company and personal information. Please read this relevant post that details this destructive phishing attack and disinformation scam.
COVID-19 & Stimulus Package Phishing Attacks and Disinformation
Phishing attacks linked to the Coronavirus are on the rise. Cybercriminals are using this opportunity to gain access to company and personal information. Virus related phishing emails armed with malware are a significant problem. Fear or a desire to learn about a "brand new prevention" or a "source of masks" or "toilet paper" or "get your stimulus check now" are emotions hackers are preying on. Don't let emotions get in your way. Please don't risk taking your company down with a ransomware attack at this time. Be extra careful and vigilant!
Disinformation is being used to incite confusion and spread malware. The U.S. Health and Human Services Department was recently hacked, and fake texts were sent out falsely proclaiming a national quarantine. Expect more of the same.
Tips to Protect Your Business and Employees
- Think before you click
- Examine the link
- Don't open attachments
- Guard your financial statements
- Keep your firewall up and running – even while working remotely!
Consider viewing Coronavirus information EXCLUSIVELY from reputable web sites. Go to Google and search for them by typing in the name of the organization. Reputable sites include whitehouse.gov, CDC.gov, WHO.int, and Coronavirus.gov.
- Try to avoid using a link you are sent as some of these may be phishing or breach attempts. This includes emails sent to you by trusted sources, including coworkers, company's you've done business with, friends, and family.
The U.S. Government Will NOT Contact You Via Phone or Email
Excerpt from the FTC.gov website:
As the Coronavirus takes a growing toll on people's pocketbooks, there are reports that the government will soon be sending money by check or direct deposit to each of us. The details are still being worked out, but there are a few really important things to know, no matter what this looks like.
- The government will not ask you to pay anything upfront to get this money. No fees. No charges. No nothing.
- The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number. Anyone who does is a scammer.
- These reports of checks aren't yet a reality. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
Here are some sites we recommend monitoring:
- Centers for Disease Control
- CDC's prevention steps: find this on the CDC web site at cdc.gov
- World Health Organization
- Florida Department of Public Health
- Your County or City Department of Public Health
- Federal Trade Commission
- Internal Revenue Service
- We encourage you to share this information with your staff
We are here to help you with all the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic. Please reach out through our usual channels via email to support@icxmsp.com or phone 904-208-2195 with any specific questions or concerns.