26 Mar Your computer’s health is also at risk of infection ⚠
As many of us adapt to working from home offices, now is a time when we are most vulnerable to online scammers.
What?
In these uncertain times we are living in it is more crucial than ever to ensure you incorporate the correct security measures into your computer system. Unfortunately, scammers are using the coronavirus uncertainty to their advantage and targeting our panicked and vulnerable community.
How?
Since January 2020, there have been 94 reports of coronavirus scams with the figures only climbing higher on a daily basis. Scam artists can attempt to reach you via any form of online communication, whether it be email or text message. It starts with a promise which then leads you to providing personal information, which can then be used to infect your system, access your money or even worse, steal your identity.
What can I do?
Be especially vigilant when receiving any coronavirus-related communications. Any cures, antidotes or other products you may be offered are unquestionably part of a scam. This also goes for supplies such as face masks and hand sanitisers, in which case you pay for items that will never arrive.
In addition to complete vigilance there are a few key giveaways to look for when receiving an email from an unknown sender:
Suspicious links One method of testing the legitimacy of a link is to hover your mouse cursor, but not click, over the link to see if the address matches what was typed in the message. Suspicious attachments Be wary of attachments from senders that you do not expect attachments from, and take note of extensions that try to tick you. For example, .doc.exe, .xls.hta. If in doubt, contact the person who sent you the message and ask them to confirm that the email and attachment are legitimate. Threats Many malicious messages cause a sense of panic or pressure to encourage a quick response, even claiming that accounts or data will be deleted unless a certain process is followed. Altered web addresses Be wary of any web address that closely resemble names of well-known companies but contain subtle misspellings for example, “www.micorsoft.com” or “www.mircosoft.com”.
Mismatches The link text and the URL are different from one another; or the sender’s name, signature, and URL are different.
If you are unsure about an email you have received, think you have been the victim of a scam or have any questions regarding cyber security, we are here to help and can be contacted at [email protected] or 08 7071 3412.
Stay safe and well.
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