KEEPING YOU SAFE:
COVID 19 AND STIMULUS PACKAGE PHISHING ATTACKS AND DISINFORMATION
Phishing attacks linked to Covid 19 are becoming a huge risk for businesses and individuals. Cyber criminals are using this opportunity to gain access to company and personal information. Virus related (think computer virus, not Covid 19 virus) phishing emails with attached malware are a significant problem.
Expect it to get worse!
Fear and desire to learn about a “brand-new prevention” or a “source of masks” or “toilet paper” or “get your stimulus check now” are emotions hackers are preying upon. Do not let emotion rule your intellect. Be extra vigilant and instruct any of your staff working remotely or in your office to do the same.
Tips to protect your practice and your team –
Think before you click
Examine the link
Do NOT open attachments unless you have verified the source
sending them
Guard your financial statements and tax returns
View Covid 19 information EXCLUSIVELY from a reputable web site. Go through Google to search for the sites by typing in the name of the organization.
Try to avoid using a link you are sent as some of these may be
phishing or breach attempts. This includes emails sent to you by
trusted sources including friends and family. They may be unaware
they are sending phishing links.
The IRS and the US Government will NOT contact you by phone or email. Here is an excerpt from the FTC.gov website:
As the Coronavirus takes a growing toll on people’s pocketbooks, there are reports that the government will soon be sending money by check or direct deposit to each of us
[editorial comment: and this will be happening with the passage of the third bill].
The details are still being worked out, but there are a few really important things to know, no matter how it is done.
The government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get this
money. No fees. No charges. No nothing.
The government will not call you to ask for your Social Security
number, bank account, or credit card number. Anyone who does is a
scammer.
Here are some “safe” sites we recommend monitoring:
Centers for Disease Control
CDC’s prevention steps (on the CDC website)
California Department of Public Health
Your county or City Department of Public Health
Federal Trade Commission
Internal Revenue Service
We encourage you to share this information with your team.
If someone does click on something inadvertently, please have them (or you) contact your IT person as soon as possible.
Please be aware that cyber criminals are also using texts and messaging as well as calling and emailing to illegally access personal information.
Be cautious, think before you click and be safe!
Thank you for this information: from our client, ZTek Solutions in Miami Lakes, Florida.
COLEMAN, UREDA, ALFORD & KAUCHER, PA
