Stay safe from cyber thieves

COVID-19 scams on the rise

The work of cyber thieves is rampant today. As the entire world deals with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, cyber criminals are using our vulnerabilities against us and working harder than ever to prey on our fears and our weakened defenses.

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, a rise of coronavirus-related scams is targeting consumers and businesses, especially now that so many workers are off from highly secure company networks and are now using consumer-grade security systems in home settings.

When we asked our Chief Information Security Officer Manny Edmondson the top 3 things to keep our private information safe, he shared these tips:

1. Never offer your sensitive information in an unsolicited communication – such as through text, phone call, website or online pop-up – no matter how attractive or legitimate the offer seems.

   Your sensitive information would be any data that uniquely identifies you, such as: account credentials (login/password), credit or debit card information, or social security number.

2. Never open emails from unknown senders. Be especially wary of being enticed to click links or download attachments.

3. When in doubt, call someone you trust. Whether it’s your spouse, partner, relative, colleague or best friend – if you are unsure of sharing personal information with an unknown entity, talk it out with someone you trust to get their perspective first. 

In a recent Forbes magazine article, United States Attorney Scott Brady said he and his colleagues were expecting an “unprecedented wave of cyber-attacks and cyber fraud.”

During this sensitive time, we must realize that criminals are capitalizing on our fears of COVID-19. These “cyber tricksters” are creating fake website mimicking the Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization and other credible health organizations.

They’re also preying with our emotions by sending communication claiming to provide vaccines, prevention or treatment for COVID-19 as well as requests to monetarily support charities or crowdfunding sites for COVID-19 victims.

Be extra vigilant to secure your private information during this time.

For FBI tips to help stay alert during the COVID-19 crisis, visit their website.