Whatever your industry may be, if you and your employees are now continuing your business’ operations remotely, be aware of the common cyber-attacks currently being exploited, making Cyber Risk Insurance more important than ever before.

Cybercriminals and hacking groups are exploiting disruption and public fear caused by the current world emergency through a range of phishing/vishing/smishing schemes and malware attacks (e.g. ransomware) which are likely to proliferate as the outbreak intensifies. An explanation of each is listed below:

1. Phishing attacks can take many forms, but they all share a common goal – getting you to share sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card information, or bank account details.
2. Voice phishing or vishing is a type of phishing attack that is conducted by phone and often targets users of Voice over IP (VoIP) services like Skype to gain access to private personal and financial information for the purpose of financial reward.
3. Smishing (SMS phishing) is a type of phishing attack conducted using SMS (Short Message Services) on cell phones. Just like email phishing scams, smishing messages typically include a threat or enticement to click a link or call a number and hand over sensitive information. Sometimes they might suggest you install some security software, which turns out to be malware.
4. Ransomware is increasingly being used by hackers to extort money from companies. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that takes over your computer and prevents you from accessing files until you pay a ransom. The most common way ransomware enters corporate networks is through email. Often, cybercriminals will include malicious links or attachments in emails that look harmless.