By Euan Henderson
Cyber Security Apprentice
It’s easy to drop our guard and become vulnerable to online threats while working from home.
Thousands of new phishing scams have emerged during the Covid-19 crisis and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is working to remove malicious sites used for phishing and to spread malware.
Common scams include fake emails from HMRC, targeted at the self-employed. It’s no coincidence these are being sent out at a time when people are more likely to click on malicious links as they try to access Government support.
Some scam emails are praying off people’s fears by offering a cure to Covid-19 and asking them to donate money.
There are reports of criminals sending emails pretending to be from WHO and even US CDC, asking for donations to fund a fake vaccine. Some even given false advice about the virus.
These attacks are becoming more targeted within specific sectors such as retail and shipping.
The NCSC has reported seeing large numbers of websites being registered exclusively during the COVID-19 crisis to backup scams and give them more credibility.
It is thought that as the pandemic worsens, so will the number of phishing and website-based attacks.
If you or a colleague has fallen prey to a phishing attack, it should be reported to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040.
At this time we highly recommend that you look over the advice written by NCSC and our advice blogs.
For more information please visit:
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/cyber-experts-step-criminals-exploit-coronavirus
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