Cybercrime is on the rise. In 2018, it was estimated that criminals generated an incredible $1.5 trillion, while on average, hackers gain access to someone’s computer every 39 seconds. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has seen an even sharper rise in the number of cybercrime attacks reported, as criminals play on the fear and anxiety the virus is causing.
Seniors are often the most susceptible to these attacks because they are less tech-savvy as younger generations. Criminals know this, which means they tailor their attacks to target the elderly, attempting to steal from their sizable pension pots and savings.
Criminals are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, which is making it harder to spot attempts to access your data and information. A recent joint study by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Center in the UK has identified some of the most common COVID-19 cybersecurity threats:
Phishing
Criminals are attempting to steal private information by sending emails that appear to come from legitimate organizations such as the government or the World Health Organization
Fake Websites
These websites are offering miracle cures, testing kits, and supplies to draw people in, yet the reality is they are just after your financial details.
Apps
Recently, there has been a rise in the use of apps to gain access to personal information. These apps are often claiming to detail the spread of the virus and pretending to let users track their local area.
Protecting yourself against these scams is crucial. You should be wary of any unsolicited messages or communications you receive, and any strange friend requests you might receive on social media. Equally, you should never give your personal information to anyone, or enter it into any websites you are not sure of.
As criminals look to use the fear and anxiety around coronavirus, be alert to anything that you do not feel is right. Before purchasing anything or providing your financial information to anyone, speak with friends and family to gain another perspective. You should also thoroughly research any company by googling their name, and checking the person you are talking to is really who they say they are.
The Attorney General of each state has an elder fraud division. Please don’t hesitate to call them for help in case you feel that you have been a victim of cybercrime.
