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COVID-19 Stimulus: How to avoid giving money to hackers
While governments try to boost their economies with trillions of dollars in stimulus packages to fight COVID-19, hackers are trying to stimulate their pockets. The number of cybercrime cases related to the coronavirus is rising and to tell us how hackers are doing this CNBC Africa spoke to Pankaj Bhula, Regional Director Africa, Check Point.
Fri, 24 Apr 2020 16:04:01 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- Hackers are setting up fake domains and sites to exploit vulnerable individuals seeking information about stimulus packages.
- Education and awareness are essential in protecting against cyber threats, with individuals advised to verify sources and avoid sharing sensitive information online.
- Businesses and government organizations must implement robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard financial resources and confidential data from hackers.
As governments around the world have been announcing massive stimulus packages in response to the COVID-19 crisis, hackers have seized the opportunity to exploit the situation and engage in cybercrime. The number of cybercrime cases related to the coronavirus has been on the rise, with hackers setting up fake domains and malicious websites targeting stimulus package activities. Pankaj Bhula, Regional Director for Africa at Check Point, highlighted the alarming trend and shared key insights on how individuals and organizations can protect themselves from falling victim to these cyber threats.
Bhula explained that Check Point research has uncovered a significant increase in the number of fake domains specifically related to stimulus packages. Out of the thousands of domains created worldwide, approximately 700 were identified as malicious or fraudulent. Hackers have been luring vulnerable individuals to these fake websites through deceptive tactics, such as fake emails and enticing offers. The current global crisis has made people more susceptible to falling for these schemes, making it easier for hackers to carry out their malicious activities.
The surge in cybercrime during the COVID-19 pandemic is not limited to stimulus packages but also extends to other relief schemes and funds aimed at supporting individuals and businesses. Bhula emphasized the importance of education and awareness in combating these cyber threats. By practicing caution and following specific guidelines, individuals and organizations can reduce the risk of becoming victims of online scams.
One of the key recommendations provided by Bhula is to exercise vigilance when encountering unfamiliar sources or emails. Individuals should be cautious of emails using COVID-19-related buzzwords, such as 'COVID-19 benefits' or 'COVID-19 payments', especially if they are from unknown senders. It is important to verify the legitimacy of websites by ensuring they are secure (HTTPS) and authentic before providing any sensitive information. Additionally, individuals should avoid clicking on links requesting banking details or personal information and instead manually type in the website URL to ensure its validity.
For businesses and government organizations managing large sums of money through these relief programs, implementing robust cybersecurity measures is crucial. Bhula cited Google's report of approximately 18 million potential malicious attempts daily in April, demonstrating the scale of the cyber threat landscape during this period. By staying informed and adopting cybersecurity best practices, entities can safeguard their financial resources and confidential data from falling into the hands of hackers.
In conclusion, the escalating cybercrime activities linked to the COVID-19 crisis underscore the need for heightened cybersecurity measures and greater public awareness. As hackers continue to exploit vulnerabilities in these challenging times, individuals and organizations must remain vigilant, proactive, and informed to prevent financial losses and privacy breaches. By following the recommended guidelines and staying cautious online, everyone can contribute to mitigating the risks posed by cyber threats.
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