Australians are now working from home offices and kitchen tables as social distancing measures to slow the spread of coronavirus ramp up. But this change to how we work makes us more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats.
Key points:
Australia’s cyber spy agency has warned of scams and phishing attempts, as criminals try and take advantage of the disruption.
Scamwatch has also received 94 reports of COVID-19 scams since the beginning of the year, with numbers expected to rise.
Karl Hanmore, the acting head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre — part of the Australian Signals Directorate — said there are already examples of coronavirus-inspired cybercrime.
“I’d be suggesting people be cyber-alert but not cyber-alarmed,” he said.
“Most importantly, don’t click on links you receive via text message or email, especially if they’re around the coronavirus.”
Phishing scams using COVID-19-themed text messages are already circulating in Australia.
One of them appears to be sent from “GOV” and shares a link that claims to help people find out where they can get tested for coronavirus.
But the link and the sender are fake. Clicking on the link could install malware designed to steal your banking details.
“That’s criminals trying to steal your banking details at a time when you’re least able to protect yourself,” says Mr Hanmore.
A COVID-19-themed scam text circulating in Australia.
(ABC News: Australian Cyber Security Centre)
A COVID-19-themed scam text circul ..
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