Guidance
Whether you are going on a staycation or going abroad, it is important to protect yourself, your devices and to stay safe online.
We have put together some simple tips to support you when you go away on holiday this summer.
With the increasing use of technology, our lives are dependent on technology and devices more than ever before. While technology has brought countless benefits, it has also created new avenues for criminals and fraudsters to target individuals and organisations. Due to the use of technology, cyber criminals operate on a global scale while the new digital world offers them a platform to exploit individuals and organisations 24/7. It is crucial to recognise that cyber criminals now always pose a threat.
We’ve seen a rise in the number of fraudsters targeting businesses using telephone scams and using new approaches in an attempt to catch businesses off guard.
They will call and purport to be a member of bank staff, telling you there are suspicious transactions appearing on your business account. They’ll claim to be calling to make sure that any fraudulent transactions don’t go through.
Holidays should be a time to relax, enjoy and make memories with family and friends. However, amidst the excitement and anticipation, each year fraudsters target innocent holidaymakers which results in a monetary loss of millions of pounds. As well as the financial loss, many holidays are being ruined causing upset and the inability for some to afford another holiday. We see the number of individuals falling victim to holiday fraud increasing during the summer months.
CyberScotland partner Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland has released a new cyber strategy guide for small organisations.
A comprehensive cyber security strategy is crucial to protect organisations, individuals, and governments from devastating cyber attacks.
Online dating has become a very popular way to meet someone new.
The majority of accounts on dating websites are genuine people looking for romance, but fraudsters have been known to target those looking for love.
Cyber criminals “meet” people on dating sites, then take the conversation onto private messaging, build up a picture of their victim, then take any opportunity to steal money from them. Criminals who commit romance fraud trawl through profiles and piece together information such as wealth and lifestyle, in order to manipulate their victims.
Cyber criminals are well aware of current affairs, the day to day events which have a bearing and impact on our daily lives, and they will seek different ways to exploit topical events in an effort to make their phishing attempts more convincing – so we have to remain vigilant as they will continue their scamming efforts in 2023.
Phishing emails will appear as being genuine and the scammers will either include a nefarious link that will download a malware to your computer, or direct you to a fake website asking for bank details or other personal information.
Christmas holidays are a prime time for criminals to take advantage of. Take the time now to review your business continuity plan and know where you can seek advice and support should you need it.
We have shared some tips to help you avoid scam websites and purchase items securely.