Organizations are relying on telecommuting and teleworking in order to continue operations while simultaneously helping contain the spread of COVID-19. Phishing attacks-collections of personal and/or financial information from individuals posing as representatives of a legitimate organization-are popping up; as the COVID-19 virus continues to affect communities nationwide, scams in the form of charitable solicitations for those affected are being reported. Below are some tips for defending against cyber scams:
- Do not click on links or attachments in suspicious emails
- Do not provide personal or financial information via email
- Do not respond to suspicious emails
- Check frequently for updates to your software and operating system
- Review requirements for creating, using and changing passwords used to access devices and networks.
- Use government websites for information and updates about COVID-19
- Alert your organization’s network administrators and other appropriate personnel immediately if you suspect security breaches.
- Check the validity of any charity asking for donations (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0074-giving-charity)
Additional Resources
- Scammers are Taking Advantage of Fears Surrounding the Coronavirus: What the FTC is Doing https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing
- How to Avoid Coronavirus Phishing Scams: https://www.consumerreports.org/phishing-vishing/how-to-avoid-coronavirus-phishing-scams/
- Defending Against COVID-ID Cyber Scams. https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/current-activity/2020/03/06/defending-against-covid-19-cyber-scams