Covid-19: Email Security Being Tested by Hackers
BBC News reports that
“Security experts say a spike in email scams linked to coronavirus is the worst they have seen in years… Cyber-criminals are targeting individuals as well as industries, including aerospace, transport, manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare and insurance.”
What does this mean?
Hackers taking advantage of commotion Whilst the world fixes its attention to a global epidemic, hackers are taking this as an opportunity to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. The BBC reports that they are doing this through five main methods, which are:
Claiming to have a cure
Firstly, hackers are taking advantage by sending spam emails, claiming they have a cure for Covid-19. Within these emails there will be several clickable links in which you will supposedly be given access to this information, however, your personal details will be taken. There a lot of these emails being sent on a regular basis. Any information on a cure, vaccine etc. will most likely be made public through the NHS.
Covid-19 tax refund scam
Whilst the government are taking measures to support business and the UK economy, they are not doing this through tax rebates. Hackers are sending emails claiming that you can ‘access your funds’ by clicking on a link. Here, your personal information such as financial and tax information will be taken. This is not how the HMRC would advise you on any potential tax rebate.
Spoof documents providing ‘tips and safety measures’
Many are pretending to be the World Health Organisation (WHO) and claiming that they have some updated information, tips and safety measures regarding the Coronavirus. Within these emails are attachments with said guidelines however, the contents within are malicious pieces of content. It is likely that WHO will not email you directly with updates, instead check out their website and social media.
Further scare tactics
Hackers are also using scare tactics to try and get clicks, downloads and responses to their emails. They are using email address that look legit to pass on further information on the prevention of the Coronavirus as well as asking you to click onto a new page or download some information.In reality, these downloads or webpages are taking the personal data of the unsuspecting victim.
‘Donate to help’
Finally, malware experts Kaspersky have reported that hackers are using emails asking for donations on behalf of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to help the development of a vaccine to combat the Coronavirus.Of course, any payment made via these emails is not going to the CDC nor will it be the final payment made from the details you entered. The CDC will not send you an email to ask for donations. To read the full BBC article, click here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-51838468How can you combat these emails and cyber criminals?
Make sure your employees are trained
Your employees are your first line of defence against email hackers. Here are some quick tips and tricks that you can pass on to your team:
Before clicking on a link, hover your mouse over the link and reveal its web address. If it looks suspicious, do not click on it. Do not respond to the email.
Implement two-factor authentication so that a code is needed for access to your email.
Practice with an email phishing test and see how your employees perform.
Follow our social media pages for daily tips and further guidance.
Bolster your email security
What do you currently have implemented? What do you have to prevent spam emails? Are your staff adequately trained?
Sweethaven can help to further minimise the threat posed by these emails in several ways:
Test phishing emails to monitor your staff’s response and to see how adept they really are at spotting a fraudulent email
Enhanced email security: Sweethaven’s tailored email security solutions can help to improve company productivity by preventing spam/phishing emails from entering your network, reduce processing and storage costs + much more.
Office 365 Implementation to ensure a secure service.
To find out more on any of the above, please get in touch with the Sweethaven Team.