28/08/2024
Email scammers are impersonating the ASD's ACSC sending out phishing emails to the public with the email content suggesting to download a malicious antivirus program.
Background / What’s happened?
If you receive an email from the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC) and you wish to verify that it is legitimate, please contact us on 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).
The ASD's ACSC is aware of emails from cybercriminals claiming to be ASD's ACSC. The cybercriminals are emailing from spoofed email accounts utilising ASD’s ACSC’s logo, with the subject and contents of the emails varying.
These emails suggest that an increase in cyber threats requires the recipient to download ‘Antivirus’ software through a malicious link to stay safe. If clicked on, there is potential that malicious software could be downloaded and installed to the individual’s computer.
Other instances of the emails warn recipients that there have been complaints regarding their email address or IP address and again asks recipients to download the malicious ‘Antivirus’ software, to safeguard their account.
Mitigation / How do I stay secure?
If you have received a suspicious email, do not click on links within the email, report it and block the sender.
If you have clicked the link, require assistance, or if you’re not sure it’s a real email from ASD’s ACSC you can contact the ASD's ACSC via 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).
Further advice can be found on our website on how to identify phishing emails.
Please continue to report scams to ScamWatch.
Assistance / Where can I go for help?
ASD’s ACSC is monitoring the situation and is able to provide assistance and advice as required. Organisations or individuals that have been impacted or require assistance can contact us via 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).
Read this alert on the website:
This document has been written for individuals and families. Background / What has happened? If you receive an email from the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC) and you wish to verify that it is legitimate, please contact us on 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 3...
