Cybersecurity Corner: impact of coronavirus

Update | Monday, March 23, 2020

Beware of coronavirus-related fraud and phishing scams via email, text, or websites. Ben Dalton, information security officer, cautions the Columbus State community to beware of scams related to coronavirus (COVID-19), particularly scammers who try to reach their victims via phone calls, text messages, and emails.

Cybercriminals use emergencies such as COVID-19 to trick people into clicking on malicious links or attachments. These scams may come in a variety of forms, including phishing emails. Scammers are using phone calls, social media, and text messaging to trick victims into revealing sensitive information. Please exercise caution when opening any email related to COVID-19 and be wary of social media ads, texts, or calls.

To protect yourself against COVID-19 and phishing scams, Columbus State’s Office of Information Security recommends these tips:

•  Use caution if messages are flagged as EXTERNAL.
• Protect your personal information. Never share your social security number, password, or other sensitive information.
•  Never send gift cards. Be on alert for spoofed emails from your boss with any unusual or out-of-the-ordinary requests.
• Use trusted sources such as www.cdc.gov for fact-based information about COVID-19.
• Verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations.

Report suspicious emails, phishing attempts, and other security events to abuse@cscc.edu.

 

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