Norton Labs published its quarterly Consumer Cyber Safety Pulse Report for April through June last week. The report discusses and highlights the top cybersecurity insights and takeaways in the second quarter.
In the second quarter, Norton blocked over 900 million total threats. This includes 103.7 million file-based malware threats blocked, 22.6 million phishing attempts blocked, 302,000 mobile malware threats blocked and 78,000 ransomware detections blocked. Keep in mind this is just April, May and June and just blocks from Norton.
With more than 4 billion people and businesses worldwide using social media to share information and market their business, scammers have huge opportunities. Below are eight common social media scams you and your employees need to be aware of.
Verified badge scams
Verified badges can be important to businesses. These icons represent the account is authentic and has been verified by the social media platform. They are especially popular with brands, businesses, public figures and celebrities. In this phishing attack, businesses and users are communicated to log-in to either obtain a verified badge or not lose their existing verified badge. When this happens, scammers are stealing your info.
Follower generator services
Scammers know businesses want to generate followers and interactions with their content, so they present appealing services and promotions to help. Users are then redirected to websites controlled by hackers who are stealing login credentials and infecting your devices with malware.
Classic login phishing
This is a fake log-in page that looks like a real page. When users enter their log-in information, scammers steal their credentials.
Locked account notices
Scammers get users to reveal log-in information and sensitive information by reporting fake, non-authorized access to your account. With businesses and people alike not wanting to lose access to social media accounts, they often quickly provide sensitive information in attempt to gain access to their account.
Copyright violation notices
In this scam, scammers communicate your account has been locked due to a copyright violation. Users must log-in and disclose credentials to unlock the social media profile, at which time scammers steal the log-in info.
Two-Factor authentication interception
Scammers are attempting to intercept temporary codes to break into profiles with multi-factor authentication. Tokens are generally tied to your device and scammers attempt to change log-in credentials.
Payment fraud
Malicious websites will exploit your brand on social media sites and ask users for credit card details and other financial information by presenting problems.
Profile hacking services
This is a newer variant of phishing attacks and pretends to offer businesses a way to obtain key customer information such as email addresses. Scammers are continuously redirecting victims and monetizing from services such as ads.
The report illustrates the rise and sophistication with scammers and social media. Businesses, employees and personal users of social media platforms must have up-to-date security as well as always be aware of potential scams.
Insight BTR, an IT managed service provider serving Madison, WI and southern Wisconsin, will work with your business and its employees to make sure you have the right security and practices in place to help block attacks. Give us a call at 608-661-0750 or email info@insightbtr.com to get started.
