The rise of hacking and data theft incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic reminded many organizations of the need to maintain high levels of cyber security awareness. Here is a look at the latest threats to data security and confidentiality.
Cybercriminals can send you spoofed emails impersonating government officials or even your own employer. Their objectives would be fraudulent, such as tricking you into exposing your computer system login credentials. To avoid falling victim, you should always recognize how certain organizations may contact you. For example, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will never ask for your Social Security number by phone or email.
It is not beyond identity thieves to collect unemployment benefits in your name. Such incidents increased dramatically during the pandemic in many states. The criminals will have the benefits paid via direct deposit without the victim's knowledge. This can occur to you while you're employed, so it is important that you adopt proper safeguards against identity theft. Also, consider signing up for the IRS Identity Protection Pin program, which will flag any illegal attempt to file federal tax returns in your name.
In a ransomware attack, criminals will plant malicious code on your computer, locking you out and taking over the system. They'll demand a ransom fee to release your data and computer, which can be a pain if you cannot afford it. You can minimize stress after a ransomware attack by constantly backing up your data.
Computer Weekly reported that the gaming industry experienced more than 240 million cyber breaches in 2020. This isn't surprising considering that a lot of e-gaming takes place online these days. As a parent, you should closely monitor where your child makes their in-game purchases using your credit card. Some –œvirtual– sellers are imposters looking to steal your credit card information. It's also possible for hackers to remotely shut down your entire internet after tracking your IP address via an e-gaming platform.
Hackers are increasingly getting creative and experimenting with multiple unscrupulous plans to defraud oblivious victims. They could target you with lucrative product or service offers, but their ultimate objective is to steal your personally identifiable information. In one of these schemes, ID thieves may pose as FedEx or UPS staff and call, text, or email you, asking for your home address.
However, these companies will never call or email you to confirm your delivery location. You can tell that somebody is trying to scam you if they contact you by phone or email about a delivery you do not expect. Do not supply your personal information to such individuals.
Make sure that you and your employees keep an eye out for the ever-evolving IT security threats. To learn more about protecting your organization against malware and hacking risks, contact us at CF&P Insurance Brokers today. We are happy to help you find the right cyber insurance policy for your business.
