Cyber Scams to Watch Out for During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Burton Kelso

Integral Computer Consultants

In any national or global crisis, you can count on cyber criminals to find ways to take advantage of people and the COVID-19 crisis is no exception.

Did you know 99% of cybercrime requires user interaction? Keep your devices updated and use adequate virus protection software. Use strong passwords and don’t give out your information.

Here are a few scams to avoid.

1. Phishing and Malware scams. Phishing and malware scams are the most common ways cybercriminals try to access your personal data. Phishing occurs when criminals send false emails or make phone calls pretending they are from a trustworthy source to try to convince you to share your sensitive data such as passwords or credit card information.

Malware stands for malicious software, which is software designed to get access to your computer and smart devices without your knowledge.

2. Investment scams. Beware of online promotions on social media and email, informing you that products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure the coronavirus, causing the stock of these companies to dramatically increase in value as a result.
3. Shopping Scams. Keep your eye on e-commerce websites, social media accounts, and emails from people and stores claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand. Supplies might include things like hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and surgical masks. When you make purchases from these fake stores, criminals will keep your money but you will never see the products you purchased.
4. Medical scams. Watch out for calls and emails from people pretending to be hospitals and medical professionals that have treated your friends and family for the coronavirus and demand payment for treating them. Standard hospital practices still apply during this crisis and payment information will be collected at the hospital.
5. Zoom Bombing. Zoom has become a popular choice for people to communicate while working at home and hackers have taken notice. Zoom Bombing is when creeps and criminals alike force their way into your Zoom meetings. Sometimes they are just disruptive by using vulgar language or sharing pornographic images.

To prevent Zoom Bombing, do the following:

1. Add a Zoom meeting password
2. Disable File Transfers
3. Disable “Join Before Host”
4. Change Screen sharing to “host-only”
5. Disable the feature to “Allow removed participants to rejoin”

Cyber scams will constantly evolve just like technology does. Always stay vigilant and make sure you’re keeping track of the latest data breaches.

To learn about more phishing scams and other intrusive attacks visit Integral Technology’s website www.callintegralnow.com. For on-site or remote tech support call 888.256.0829.