Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is spending more time online. Most of us use a computer to get our work done, and if we have children at home, we have been helping them with online education. We also rely on chat and video apps to stay connected with our friends and family members. We use e-commerce sites for shopping, banking, and managing our finances. Thus, all this online activity has become a major target for scammers, spammers, hackers, and other bad actors.
During the height of the pandemic, they sent malicious emails claiming to contain new information about vaccines and tried to capture our attention with fake shipping notifications. They also offered fake tech services to support all of our devices which we may be tempted to take advantage of when our laptops, smartphones, or tablets start to lag and slow us down. Then there are the unsolicited phone calls, unknown pop-ups, or unfamiliar emails that prey on those concerns claiming to prevent viruses or tighten up security.
What should you look for?
The most common effort to steal money or information is to capitalize on the most common current concerns. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, emails claiming to be from the CDC or WHO tricked people into clicking on malicious links. During the holidays, fake information about package tracking and charitable giving goes on the rise. They particularly target adults who may not be savvy with technology.
When should you look for it?
Fake tech support scams increase when people return to regular routines and get back to work, which makes the first few weeks after the holidays a prime target. The goal is not to actually help—it is to sell useless services, gain access to your credit card number, install malware, and/or steal passwords.
How do you know this type of scam is targeting you?
Fake and spam phone calls are a fact of life and are likely not going to go away. Cybercriminals can spoof local phone numbers which makes caller ID basically useless. An unsolicited caller may claim to be a computer technician who claims to know that there are viruses, ransomware, or other malware on your computer. They try to manipulate you into granting remote access to your computer or compel you to purchase software that you do not need. Hang up immediately if the caller indicates that payment can be made with a gift card or wire transfer.
Protection
As cybersecurity threats continue evolve, so must our lines of defense to protect against them. At CMIT Solutions of Cincinnati & NKY, we provide multiple layers of security around the perimeter of your company’s IT infrastructure. This includes strong firewalls extending into anti-virus software, proactive network management, traffic monitoring, DNS Filtering, and anti-spam protection. These solutions protect your business, prevent attacks, and identify most attacks before they become a nightmare.
Beware of pop-up ads
Pop-ups are actually easier for hackers to pull off than you think. Unwanted pop-up ads appear all the time on unprotected websites with a message. DO NOT click on these links as they can automatically install malware or ransomware directly onto your machine.
Email may appear legitimate
One of the oldest tricks in the book for hackers is sending emails that appear to be from a viable source. They may appear to come from Microsoft, Amazon, or Apple. DO NOT click on links or attachments contained in the message as they can lead to immediate cybersecurity problems. If you’re concerned about an account, manually type the website’s URL into your browser and check your status that way.
How can you keep your business safe?
The best way for you to keep your business safe is to work with a trusted IT provider. CMIT Solutions is a local and trusted member of the community. You can meet us in person and contact us by sending an email, starting a live chat, or calling anytime you are faced with a potential cybersecurity threat. We also provide reliable anti-virus, anti-spam, and anti-malware software that prevents scams and hacks. We provide 24/7 monitoring and maintenance which identifies cybersecurity issues before they harm your business. Our behind-the-scenes protection never interferes with day-to-day operations.
We offer enterprise-class solutions for small to medium-sized businesses—all at a price you can afford and with a level of support unmatched by other firms.
Don’t wait to be a victim. Be proactive. Protect your network and have peace of mind. Contact the IT experts at CMIT Solutions of Cincinnati & NKY today!
