October 13, 2020
In the ever-changing world of cybercrimes it’s important to be more vigilant than ever. Here are a few things to be on the look out for during this heightened time of cybercrime.
PHISHING ATTACKS
While eMail remains number one for phishing attacks, cybercriminals are also using a variety of other attack routes to trick their intended victims into giving up personal information, login credentials, or even sending money. Increasingly, phishing involves texting attacks or use of messaging on social media and gaming platforms.
Remember, don’t send personal information through eMail or text, don’t click on links from someone you don’t trust, and anything that seems too good to be true, probably is.
RANSOMWARE
Ransomware attacks continue to be popular and are highly targeted against specific businesses, as well as local government. Attackers are spending more time gathering information about their victims, to ensure they can inflict maximum disruption. Attacks have become so damaging that the FBI has softened its stance on paying ransoms: it now acknowledges that in some cases, businesses may need to evaluate options to protect their shareholders, employees and customers.
Ransomware can be installed on your computer and sit idle for months before the cybercriminals take advantage of you. Again, this is why it’s important that you not click links or visit untrusted sites.
CYBERINSURANCE
It is now common for corporations to hold cyber insurance policies. Insurance companies may guide their policyholders to pay ransoms, as this is generally cheaper than having to recover from a ransomware attack. While this is beneficial for organizations across the country, it will lead to more attacks and fast growth for the cyber insurance industry.
It’s important to be vigilant everyday about your cyber safety!