03/16/2020
COVID-19 Phishing Scams
Unfortunately cybercriminals are leveraging the current COVID crisis as a methodology to attack systems. Be extremely carefully when receiving emails related to the COVID infection. These phishing emails are designed to lure you into clicking on links or attachments that may seem relevant to the current situation. In addition, "heat maps" that show the infection rates may direct you to a fake website that will download malicious code onto your device.
Signs of a COVID Phishing Email may include:
β’ A link to a heat map showing the infection areas/rates
β’ A link to a fake government or state agency designed to look real
β’ A link to a government or state agency with a legitimate name, but a fake hyperlink
β’ A warning to download a document related to COVID
β’ A link to a hospital or other healthcare institution
Please be extremely careful regarding these types of emails. Always use the link hovering technique to verify the final destination. Place your mouse over the link or image, look at the bottom left corner of your screen and validate the URL (web address).
Remote Access
Please do not rush to have your IT company install remote access into your system. We recommend a remote access software like LogMeIn or GoToMyPC. Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol is something that IT vendors are installing for clients. We do not recommend the use of RDP, but if you must, please understand that it must be configured properly. A simple mistake or not locking it down properly may result in a breach at your business. Cybercriminals are standing by with sophisticated tools that are designed to breach RDP connections. Let's be smart about this and not rush into the fire.