Phishing scams globally related to COVID-19 are on the rise. Whilst we work from home, juggling work and home priorities is stressful and hackers are taking advantage of our increase level of anxiety.
We’re looking for information and reassurance and are falling foul of phishing messages about PPE or even treatments and cures, or even pretending to be from health agencies and offering the latest statistics and safety measures.
Phishing is when scammers try to trick you into opening a malicious attachment, or clicking on a link in an email with intention of infecting your device or stealing your data.
- 93% of phishing emails involve ransomware
- 91% of cyberattacks start with phishing
So, if you receive a message you were not expecting, maybe with an incredible offer:
- Pause
- Think
- DO NOT CLICK
In addition, remember the following rules:
- Never give away personal or financial information in any form or website unless YOU have initiated the request.
- For up-to-date COVID-19 information use only reputable sources, such as gov.uk or local government websites, HMRC or the NHS. Bookmark useful websites to ensure you are always visiting the correct sites and subscribe to their newsletters.
Uncertainty makes us more vulnerable to scams, so Stay Alert. Yes – follow health and social distancing advice but also:
- Protect your computers
- Protect your data
- Stay Alert to phishing
Make sure you and your staff are aware of the increased risk of phishing during COVID-19.
David Hewett
Managing Director
iTeam Solutions Ltd
(Source of data – IBM Cyber Security Intelligence, Microsoft and Verizon)