Top Seven Security Tips For Working from Home - Top Tip #4
Beware of Covid19 Related Phishing Scams
Covid19 has brought with it a raft of changes to almost every aspect of society and a lot of aspects of business. Phishing scams have also changed and evolved to include Covid19 related scams. Only use Government approved sites for Covid-19 information and updates. There are lot of coronavirus-themed scams around that using phishing techniques to trick people into sharing personal information, such as banking details. A rule of thumb is not to trust any emails, social media, links or invitations that come from an unknown source or a source that don’t usually contact you digitally. Even if they do usually contact you digitally, if the information requested is important or very sensitive, think twice. Most institutions will never ask for banking details, or passwords through text or E-mail. It never hurts to double check with institutions to validate their contact.
How do I spot a coronavirus phishing email? Examples
Coronavirus-themed phishing emails can take different forms, including acting as though they are official health departments.
CDC alerts. Cybercriminals have sent phishing emails designed to look like they’re from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The email might falsely claim to link to a list of coronavirus cases in your area. “You are immediately advised to go through the cases above for safety hazard,” the text of one phishing email reads.
Take the time to check if an E-mail claiming to be a local or national health authority. In the case of a phishing scam often scammers will push you to download some sort of file or follow a link. Often, they will insist you “Act Now” and often be poorly written in terms of correct grammar. You can investigate where links go by hovering over them.