As it’s #CyberSecurityAwarenessMonth, it’s important to remind ourselves about keeping informed about the latest scam attacks. In today’s digital age, even the most cautious individuals can fall victim to online threats. With the ever-evolving landscape of technology, staying safe online is a continuous learning process. So, let’s delve into some of the recent cyber threats you should be aware of…

AI Voice Imitation:

The advancement of artificial intelligence has introduced a whole new world, which of course, leaves many of us sceptical. Scammers are now using AI to mimic human voices, to make phone calls appear as though they’re from a loved one in need of help. The caller typically requests for money. It can be difficult in the spur of the moment when you hear a loved one at need, but it’s important you stop and think. A good practice to have is to establish a safety word or phrase with your family to verify their identity during such calls.

Cyrillic ‘a’ Deception:

Scammers have elevated their tactics by manipulating email content. They replace standard ‘a’ characters with what is known as a Cyrillic ‘a’, making it difficult to spot fake emails. These deceptive messages are often overlooked and contain malicious links or attachments, which can compromise your device. To not fall into the ‘Cyrillic’ trap, it’s best to double check each letter in an unknown email address to detect such tricks. See if you can spot the Cyrillic ‘a’ below in the example shown.

QR Code Exploitation:

Phishing scams have taken a new twist by incorporating innocent-looking QR codes as their latest weapon. These QR codes often arrive in emails disguised as messages from say HR or your manager, directing the victim to a fraudulent login page. The goal is to steal sensitive credentials for malicious purposes. To stay safe, only scan QR codes from trusted sources or individuals you can 100% verify.

PayPal Phishing Scams:

Scammers have become so sophisticated that they send emails seemingly originating from legitimate PayPal addresses. These emails are for ‘money requests’ and claim to be from either HMRC or PayPal themselves stating your account is compromised. The included phone numbers connect to the scammers themselves who follow the storyline. Stay safe by not paying unfamiliar invoices and never calling numbers provided in these suspicious emails. Instead, contact the company directly through official channels to verify any claims.

The Solution:

Protecting your business and customer data should be a top priority. However, managing cybersecurity threats can be daunting, especially when you have a million and one other responsibilities. The good news is there are multiple software solutions available to strengthen your devices. These include data backup solutions, email security tools, and partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) who handle all your security and compliance needs.

Consider an MSP like Cobweb to bolster your cybersecurity efforts. With our expertise and solutions, you can double down on protecting your digital doors. Get in touch with one of our team today to discuss how our security solutions will bolster your business.