"Strategies for Warding off COVID-19 Related Email Phishing and Scams: Insights Courtesy of Zoho's Blog"
Stay Aware, Stay Safe: Armoring against COVID-19 Email Phishing Attacks
The worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 has opened doors for new kinds of threats. This isn't a reference to the virus itself, rather, speculations about the virus have paved avenues for online scammers. Email phishing related to COVID-19 has been on a steady rise, posing a threat to individuals and enterprises alike.
Phishing emails often come disguised as trustworthy entities, building upon panic around COVID-19, as a medium to induce individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers. Let's dive into some headlining instances:
Clauses on COVID-19 prospects
Emails impersonating the World Health Organisation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been floating around on the internet. They carry malicious links in the guise of providing critical information about the virus, tricking individuals into opening these links.
Impersonating Healthcare Officials
Email scams where fraudsters masquerade as healthcare providers are also becoming prevalent. These emails contain attachments that supposedly carry important health announcements but in reality, are infectious files in disguise.
How to shield yourself from phishing?
While this situation seems alarming, being aware is the first step towards safeguarding yourself from phishing threats. Listed below are several measures to fortify email security:
1. Avoid opening unexpected emails: Emails from unverified senders containing attachments or links should be red flagged, more so if they relate to COVID-19.
2. Validate the sender's email address: Cross-check if the sender's email address matches with the official address on their website. If doubtful, get in touch with the actual source in question, using the contact information available on the authoritative website, rather than responding to the email.
3. Enable multi-factor authentication: MFA is an absolute must to add additional layers of security to your accounts.
4. Be aware of the information you divulge online: Scammers can use personal details from your social media accounts to impersonate a known contact or an organisation. Keep your posts private and limit the information you share online.
In addition to the above user-oriented precautions, comprehensive email security solutions are essential for businesses to counter phishing attacks. Consultants In-a-box are recognised for implementing robust email security amidst these tumultuous times. Offering a full suite of strategies, we ensure the safety and consistency of your organization against such threats. Ranging from quarantining phishing emails to educating employees on good email practices, we are equipping organisations to combat these threats effectively.
Contact Consultants in-a-box now to implement the necessary safeguards today!
- Jordan Van Maanen
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