At a time when people across the globe are being advised to stay home and stay safe amid coronavirus scare, fraudsters and scammers are trying to benefit during this sensitive situation. COVID-19 has forced individuals and organizations to practice social distancing and move online; cybercriminals are preying on this fear and confusion via fake products and email scams. According to corporate security and consumer officials, the global pandemic is just the beginning of a tsunami of fraud cases. It was only last week when IBM security came upon a particularly malicious email spam campaign that mimics the World Health Organization. According to a recent news report, phishing emails are up by a whopping 667% since the end of February this year.
EC-Council University is actively engaging in efforts to prepare for the mitigation of the impacts of COVID-19. The top priority of the university is to support the health and wellbeing of its students, staff, and community. With the whole workforce moving online and working from home, the perimeter for cybercrimes to take place is suddenly even larger than before.
What is a phishing email?
A phishing email is a fraudulent attempt that is made through a fake email to gain access to a person’s personal information.
This is what happens when you reply to spam email:
What are the signs of Phishing Emails? How to stop them?
Mentioned below are 3 cyberattacks on the rise amid the global fight against Coronavirus. Look out for these signs of phishing emails and learn how to stop them.
- Beware of fake mask and vaccine sale emails
Ever since the news of coronavirus spread, there has been a high demand for masks from both consumers and health professionals. Some unverified websites are even asking people to pay for the masks online, which is leading them to never receiving the same in person. DO NOT fall for the phishing emails and websites. Consumers should also note that there is no vaccine for Coronavirus yet. Any email or website claiming to sell coronavirus vaccine is a scammer.
- Do not pay upfront to get financial relief
The US President has instituted several economic relief plans, but there is NO financial relief if you pay upfront. Scammers are trying to trick people into believing that if they pay upfront, then they will get financial help.
- Be cautious of fake charities and student loan forgiveness emails
While many renowned people have opened up charities to provide support against Coronavirus, scammers are using names that sound like the real charities to trick people and take advantage of them. This fraud is taking place online through emails. Do your research and provide financial support to the right charity. Similarly, fake student loan companies are promising student loan forgiveness in exchange for an upfront fee. Students should stay cautious against such acts.
Please note that the World Health Organisation (WHO), on its official website, has stated that cybercriminals are disguising themselves as WHO and trying to steal money and sensitive information during this crucial time. It says, “If you are contacted by a person or organization that appears to be from WHO, verify their authenticity before responding.”
The website further mentions that the World Health Organization will:
- never ask for your username or password to access safety information
- not email attachments you didn’t ask for
- never ask you to visit a link outside of www.who.int
- not charge money to apply for a job, register for a conference, or reserve a hotel
- never conduct lotteries or offer prizes, grants, certificates, or funding through email.
The only call for donations WHO has issued is the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, which is linked to below. Any other appeal for funding or donations that appears to be from WHO is a scam.
About EC-Council University
EC-Council University is dedicated to creating superior educational programs in the discipline of cybersecurity. The programs will equip graduates with the knowledge to assess the latest IT security risks and expert skills to handle them successfully. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s programs. The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BSCS) gives required exposure, builds cybersecurity skills, and develops leadership abilities that help any candidate to grow as a cybersecurity professional. Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCS) makes you an expert in desired skills and helps you in gaining domain knowledge to stand ahead of the competition.
ECCU is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is a recognized accrediting agency by the US Department of Education and is also an acknowledged member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
ECCU has industry practitioners as faculty members who also serve as mentors for the students when they aspire to get into cybersecurity. The iLabs facility from the university helps in gaining hands-on practice for students.
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