Avoid Covid-19-Related Spam, Spoofs and Phishing!
During this COVID-19 crisis, it is more important than ever to be skeptical and question before you click! Hackers are going to exploit your fear, sympathies and constant desire for news and information.
We have already heard reports of Covid-19 interactive tracking maps that have Malware imbedded in them. Always use trusted sources for the news you consume. As usual, avoid downloading PDFs and files when trying to view news information.
Be on the lookout for spoofing emails and messages from accounts who proport to be an official agency such as local, state or federal government, or agencies such as the IRS, Medicare or VA. Surely, we will see a new burst of scams and spoofing emails as the individual economic stimulus checks are closer to being issued. Make sure you are interacting with a real agency. If in doubt, navigate directly to that agency’s website to log in or call their customer service number instead of clicking a link in a suspicious email.
Charities raising money to help during this crisis will be appealing for donations. Be sure to qualify the organization before you donate if you are not already familiar with them. Navigating directly to their website is always a safer bet than clicking a link from their email appeal.
Are you working from home
for the first time? Are you being asked to confirm your credentials or passwords for work or any banking, credit card or tax preparation accounts? Always be skeptical. Ignoring a request and having to be asked twice by a legitimate company is going to be better than taking a risk and getting hacked or, worse, letting a hacker into your employer’s entire network.
As always, AWARENESS is key.
written by:
Brendan Kelly
Brendan Kelly is a Business Alliance Manager focused on building partnerships with technology companies that can help The Walker Group’s clients increase efficiencies, reduce operating expenses and mitigate IT security risks. Prior to assuming the Business Alliance Manager role at Walker, Brendan spent 10+ years in new business sales and account management roles while working for both software and service providers.
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