Beware of cyber scams
Digital tools can help your business become more efficient, save time, and win new customers, but there are also dangers to watch out for.
Cyber-attacks and con artists could target any small business in New Zealand. Here are the latest risks:
Facebook danger
One sophisticated Facebook scam has ensnared 10 million users. Millions of people on the social network have been conned into handing over their account credentials.
The phishing scam, which is still active, pushes victims to a fake Facebook login page, where they are enticed to input their details. The scam began in September 2021 and remains active.
Worried about phishing on social media? Here’s Facebook’s advice on how to protect yourself from harm:
Don’t trust messages that:
- Demand money
- Offer gifts
- Threaten to delete or ban your Facebook account
Emails about your account always come from:
- fb.com
- facebook.com
- facebookmail.com
Don’t click suspicious links:
- If you get a suspicious email or message claiming to be from Facebook, then don’t click any links or attachments.
- Don’t respond to these emails
Don’t answer messages that ask for your:
- Password
- Account numbers or important personal identifying information
- Credit card information
Email phishing
Cybercriminals used Covid-19 to create new scams, and more recently, the monkeypox virus was used to target unsuspecting victims.
Criminals have been creating bogus resources for businesses to ‘learn more’ about safety precautions. The perpetrators send businesses a link to a bogus domain and a compromised website.
D-Link routers under attack
Although it’s the least visible piece of office equipment, wireless internet routers are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals.
The Mirai malware botnet variant known as ‘MooBot’ has re-emerged in a new attack wave, targeting vulnerable routers made by D-Link.
Users of compromised D-Link routers might notice a slowdown in internet speeds, unresponsiveness, overheating, or unusual setting changes.
Work with your IT security team and internet network providers to update your router to the latest firmware.
If you’ve already been compromised, get in touch with your IT team and ISP immediately. Don’t forget to install all the latest updates across your routers and internet-connected devices.
Security is a constantly evolving issue for the tech industry. We strongly encourage all digital technology users to remain vigilant about the online solutions they use. If you have any questions about this, please contact Alliott’s Xero Specialists in Auckland on +64 9 520 9200.