Beware of Unexpected Emails
Not all emails are created equal. Over the last year, even the last six months, we’ve noticed a rise in the number of spam or junk emails circulating our inboxes. We’ve heard examples of Phishing (pronounced fishing) email scams, where someone impersonates an individual in order to gain personal information. These emails use attractive links or attachments as bait to lure in a victim. (Hence the fishing name.)
We’ve also seen an increase in email links containing Malware viruses and Ransomware schemes. Ransomware, a relatively new term to many of us in the communication industry, is a tactic hackers use to digitally extort money from businesses or individuals.
As SDN Communications adds, “Hackers infiltrate computer networks to jumble file contents or lock computer users out of their systems. Then they demand payment in anonymous, online currency to restore victims’ access to networks or programs.”
So what can you do to protect yourself? Scan your email for clues!
If you don’t know the sender of an email and you didn’t expect an email, don’t open it. If you open the email, don’t click on any links. More than 90% of recent data breaches start with clicking on a malicious link or an attachment, according to the Washington Post.
Be suspicious of emails requesting important information from you. Most businesses will not request sensitive data through an email. If you question it, contact the company directly before providing the information.
Still have questions? Call us. We are here to help. Also familiarize yourself with our email scams link on www.triotel.net.
