Cybersecurity

Various emails have been received by yours truly from UCLA sources regarding cybersecurity. Below is are the key elements of one such message:

Many of us receive a steady flow of emails every day, including bank statements, order confirmations, or sales promotions. To keep up, you may look through your inbox as quickly as possible—but don’t forget to stay vigilant. Cybercriminals take advantage of full inboxes to send dangerous, unexpected emails. Phishing is the primary method criminals leverage to unearth login credentials. In the first half of 2023 alone, the number of email-based phishing attacks has surged 464% when compared to 2022. The evolving cyberattack landscape reveals the increasing utilization of generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems, like ChatGPT, by cybercriminals for crafting malicious content and executing sophisticated attacks, according to Acronis. Equally concerning is the growing prominence of data stealers, who leverage stolen credentials to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

One of the most popular unexpected email scams includes fake banking emails. Cybercriminals will send you an email that appears to be from a local bank, claiming that they have suspended your account due to unusual activity. BEFORE ACTING, consider whether it makes sense that you’re getting this email. Ask yourself questions like:

·            Do you have an account with this bank?

·            Is this how your bank typically contacts you when unusual activity is detected?

·            When was the last time you checked your bank account?

If you don’t STOP and THINK, you may give cybercriminals exactly what they want.

Your New Scam Is on the Way

In another scam, cybercriminals imitate a popular retailer’s order confirmation email. The email states that your card was charged with a large sum of money, and your order is on the way. Even though a fraudulent charge is alarming, PAUSE and determine if the email makes sense. Ask yourself questions like:

·            Do you shop at this retailer?

·            Have you ever entered your credit card information on their website?

·            Does the email include any accurate identifying information, like your name, credit card number, or shipping address?

Without PAUSING to ask yourself questions like these, you may fall right into a cybercriminal’s trap.

What Can I Do to Stay Safe?

Follow the tips below to stay safe from unexpected email scams:

·            When you receive an unexpected email, STOP and consider the context. For example, if the email is about an order you didn’t place, it could be a scam.

·            Never click a link in an email that you aren’t expecting. Instead, open your internet browser and navigate to the organization’s official website.

·            Watch out for urgent messages, such as an email alerting you about an expensive credit card charge. Phishing attacks rely on impulsive actions. So, always THINK before you click.