Cyber criminals are using COVID-19 fears to scare people into clicking on links, opening malicious attachments, or giving out confidential information. Be careful with anything related to the coronavirus such as: emails, attachments, any social media, texts on your phone, information online, anything.
Over the years there have been a long list of international events, both positive and negative, that have generated increased cyberattacks – Michael Jackson’s death, Katrina, and Barack Obama’s election. In all of these attacks, the bad guys used the victims’ emotions against them to get them to behave in a way that, without the emotional discomfort, they likely wouldn’t have.
During this emotional time when we’re working remotely, we’re more at risk to these types of things. Both the FTC and the Secret Service have reported increases in reported attacks tied to COVID-19.
4 Ways to Protect Yourself From COVID-19 Cyberattacks
- Be Wary COVID-19 Related Subject Lines:
Be particularly wary of topics like:
- Check updated Coronavirus map in your city
- Coronavirus Infection warning from local school district
- CDC or World Health Organization emails or social media Coronavirus messaging
- Keeping your children safe from Coronavirus
- You might even get a scam phone call to raise funds for "victims"
- Donate now to help Coronavirus victims
- Don’t Take Unusual Action Without Verifying Authenticity
Be wary of emails from clients/customers asking you to click a link or take some action that is out of the ordinary. If you get a message that is asking you to take some unusual action, call your contact directly (don’t just reply to the email or text) and verify it was sent.
- Develop an Internal Communication Plan
Develop a communication plan within your company for internal communications. For example, let your employees know that all information will be contained in the body of the email and that communications will not contain links to other information.
- Report Mistakes to IT Immediately
If you think you’ve made a mistake and clicked a link or responded to a scam, report it to your IT team quickly. The quicker the IT team knows of a successful attack the quicker they can contain it and reduce the damage.
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Navigating Uncertainty
As we navigate through this uncertain time, please know that HoganTaylor Technology will be available to assist you with any technology challenges you encounter. Our experts have experience with teleworker setup, firewall management, cyber security, ransomware, incident response, system backups, system restore and daily IT system management.
For more information, please contact Cody Griffin, HoganTaylor Technology Practice Lead, at cgriffin@hogantaylor.com for more information.
About HoganTaylor Technology
HoganTaylor Technology is a newly formed subsidiary of HoganTaylor, encompassing all of the Firm’s information technology service offerings including managed services, outsourced CIO and technology solutions, cybersecurity services, and IT strategy and assessments.
INFORMATIONAL PURPOSE ONLY. This content is for informational purposes only. This content does not constitute professional advice and should not be relied upon by you or any third party, including to operate or promote your business, secure financing or capital in any form, obtain any regulatory or governmental approvals, or otherwise be used in connection with procuring services or other benefits from any entity. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult with professional advisors.
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