Cybercrime on the increase
The security consultancy Barracuda has recorded a 667%* spike in phishing attacks globally since the start of March as fraudsters attempt to cash in on the Covid-19 outbreak. There are various forms of attacks, such as phishing, ransomware, malware and key-logging. The result of these attacks is either identification theft or fraudulent impersonation of users to infiltrate secure or sensitive websites, including banking sites.
Follow these precautions to protect yourself against potential attacks:
Do not open email attachments from unknown sources. Verify the email addresses of all your customers at the onset and make sure that all correspondence is received from the verified addresses.Think before clicking on links or browsing websites.Unplug your token immediately after you have completed your banking. Do not keep your token permanently plugged into your computer.Validate accounts. Make sure that the beneficiary account details are correct.Set up single or dual authorisation for your new beneficiaries.Set up SMS or email notifications for payments made from your account.Set up limits for daily and monthly transactions, beneficiaries, users and accounts.* Sharp rise in phishing attacks as scammers prey on Coronavirus fears, 26 March 2020, Finextra.