May 2020 Newsletter
May 5, 2020
|
|
COVID-19 Phishing & Ransomware Attacks
|
|
COVID-19 continues to impact millions around the world, and cyber attackers are using this pandemic as an opportunity to strike by using our fears to receive information. On April 29, CyberHawaii partnered with the Cyber Readiness Institute to host a webinar featuring local experts who shared their insights regarding phishing and ransomware attacks currently affecting our community.
This is our second webinar and the turnout continues to be awesome.
For those who missed the webinar, you can view the full video and presentation at the links below:
|
|
Experts on the panel included:
- Craig Moss, director of content and tools, Cyber Readiness Institute
- Jason Ulsh, supervisory special agent, FBI’s Honolulu Cyber Squad
- David Rolla, chief information security officer, Hawaiian Electric
Moss
began with the basics: how to prepare, how to avoid phishing emails and how these tactics may be tied to ransomware attacks, and what to do if you are victimized.
Ulsh
shared that while new schemes are being created every day, it’s important to focus on the themes of these scams. During this pandemic, common scams focus on remote work platforms, medical equipment deals and supposed COVID-19 cures.
Rolla
added that individuals are being contacted via email or text and those least aware of cyberattacks, can become a victim. In addition,
Moss
added that phishing often lead to ransomware; he shared a guide of how to prepare, respond and recover from these attacks. To download the guide, click here. To download the guide,
click here
.
|
|
There are scammers who will take advantage of the current COVID-19 crisis to trick you out of your money and personal information. Don’t be fooled!
If you receive calls, emails, or other communications claiming to be from the U.S. Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, or another government agency offering COVID-19-related grants or economic impact payments in exchange for personal financial information, or an advance fee, or charge of any kind, including the purchase of gift cards, please do not respond. These are scams.
Visit Treasury’s website
if you suspect economic impact payment fraud.
Report Social Security scams about COVID-19
.
Below are some of the scams to watch for
–
there can be many variations:
The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning the public about fraudulent letters threatening suspension of Social Security benefits due to COVID-19-related office closures. We will not suspend or discontinue benefits because our offices are closed to the public for in-person service.
Read this and other fraud advisories
.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General is alerting the public about fraud schemes related to COVID-19. For example, scammers are offering COVID-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information. However, the services are unapproved and illegitimate.
Learn about this and other COVID-19 fraud from HHS
.
|
|
CyberHawaii encourages everyone to report COVID-19 related scams that are received via email, text message, phone call, etc. Together, we can help spread awareness of scams and protect our local community. If you want to report a scam and let your friends and neighbors know, send a description to
cyberhi@cyberhawaii.org
. Please also report scams to the FBI, FTC, or Better Business Bureau (see links below). CyberHawaii will alert our members of reported scams in the community.
Report a scam:
|
|
Michael Krupka
Project & Operations Manager
OccamSec
Aspiring chef and yoga master
During these unprecedented times where working remotely has become the new normal and cybercrimes are on the rise, what additional safeguards are you adding to your cybersecurity protocols?
If you can do without Zoom for the time being, you should use another service like Microsoft Teams. This especially pertains if you’re discussing or screen sharing proprietary or confidential information. If you have to use any remote video solution be sure you are password protecting the session and only admit those who are invited. Also, it’s important that you ensure all your endpoints are patched and all software is up to date.
As I’ll mention below everyone should be on “extra high” alert for anything suspicious when reviewing their personal and professional email. If it seems like a trick, don’t click.
What COVID-19 related scams have you seen and what should the community look out for so they’re not a victim?
We’re seeing lots of COVID-19 phishing scams under the guise of the Red Cross, spoofed government programs/public health organizations/charity organizations, as well as luring in medical staff with offers for medical equipment, testing, vaccines and personal protective equipment (PPE). Attackers are also posing as the IRS asking for personal information in order to help you receive your stimulus check via direct deposit. Be careful of food delivery scams as well. A lot of people are ordering delivery and there have been attempts to trick people.
Bottom line - like our lifeguards tell us during big surf, “if in doubt, don’t go out.” If it seems like a trick, don’t click. Report any suspicious emails to your IT department and/or to the FBI.
With social distancing, what do you do for fun?
Besides watching everything on Netflix (OK I’m kidding, not everything) we’ve been playing lots of board games, cooking a lot more at home while enjoying a glass (or two) of wine and listening to new music. We go on long walks in the neighborhood after work with our dog, pass the volleyball in the driveway as well as do modified workouts and yoga.
What's your favorite, most “ono” dish?
While trying to order takeout twice a week to support local businesses, I do most of the cooking at home and my absolute favorite is sun-dried tomato and artichoke stuffed chicken. There are variations that make this a bit easier and time friendly, but
Guy Fieri’s recipe
never disappoints and is hands down a house and family favorite, hope you guys try it and enjoy!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
