Coronavirus related cybercrime & scam emails - Avoid becoming a victim

How to avoid Coronavirus related cyber crime

Whilst Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new phenomenon, cyber crime is an established issue. Cyber criminals are smart, they prey on people at times of vulnerability. And what greater time of vulnerability than during the current Coronavirus pandemic. Security experts are reporting a huge uplift in email scams linked to Coronavirus and other coronavirus related cybercrime.

Cyber-criminals are targeting both individuals and businesses with emails ranging from “click here for a cure” type messaging, to the offer of Tax refunds.

Top tips to avoid falling victim to Coronavirus related cybercrime or email scam:

• Be wary of emails claiming to be from the CDC, GOV.UK, NHS and WHO
• Visit official websites via search engine or direct URL for current, valid information
• Read the email carefully and don’t click links hastily. If you are unsure ask a colleague for their opinion
• Do not respond to communication relating to money via email
• Look out for payment requests via Bitcoin or direct bank transfer. Official bodies will not ask for payment via this method
• Look out for grammatical errors within emails
• Ensure you have up to date anti-virus software installed
• Where possible enable two-factor authentication to restrict access to your online account.

Emails can often be made to look realistic or very good forgeries of communication from official bodies. This level of detail coupled with a high stress situation, gives the criminals a higher possibility of success.

The easiest way to see where a link will take you is to hover over the it to reveal the true web address. But quite simply if you are suspicious, don’t click.

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