Defend Against COVID-19 Cyber Scams

While the country and the world are trying to work together to manage through the current COVID-19 situation, the reality is that cybercriminals are ramping up. Phishing emails and scams are on the rise. 

With new remote work environments being introduced and emotions running high, it’s more important than ever for at-home workers to be vigilant with cybersecurity efforts – especially for scams related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Despite the current times, it's still important to exercise best cybersecurity practices and use caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject lines, attachments, or hyperlinks.  Be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19.

Cybercriminals may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes.

Here’s some guidance from the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to stay safe:

• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments. See Using Caution with Email Attachments and Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Scams for more information.
• Use trusted sources—such as legitimate, government websites—for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID-19.
• Do not reveal personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information.
• Verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations. Review the Federal Trade Commission’s page on Charity Scams for more information.

For more information, review CISA Insights on Risk Management for COVID-19.

See our latest blog: Cybersecurity Tips When Working Remotely Click Here

About Simplicity

Simplicity VoIP, based in Richmond, VA, provides hosted PBX, VoIP and business telephone solutions nationally to small, medium, and enterprise-level businesses for a comprehensive unified communications experience. It’s Class 5 geo-redundant VoIP platform is offered in addition to fax-to-email, phones and equipment, and managed services. Named as Richmond’s 11th fastest growing company by Richmond BizSense in 2018, Simplicity VoIP’s key to success is its on-site service, installation and training supported 24/7/365 by a world-class client services team.