According to Flow Communications’ Chief Technology Officer, Richard Frank, he issued a stern warning about the escalating sophistication of online scams, noting that even IT professionals are not immune to these threats.
Citing a survey by Mimecast, which showed the high incidence of email threats and ransomware attacks faced by businesses, Frank underscores the risk posed by cybercriminals to individuals and organizations alike.
He notes “A comprehensive survey conducted by Mimecast in 2023, incorporating insights from 1,700 security experts and IT professionals, unveils a chilling truth: 75% of tech wizards have witnessed their inboxes becoming a minefield of email threats, 66% state that their businesses have suffered from ransomware attacks, and a staggering 80% believe their company is at risk due to employee carelessness concerning digital security.”
READ MORE: JUST IN: Nigeria Enforces $300 Helicopter Landing Levy Amidst Industry Protests
“Cybercriminals are honing their skills at duping online users through scamming techniques like domain spoofing. This involves creating deceptive websites that mimic legitimate ones to steal login credentials and one-time passwords (OTPs). Awareness and caution, along with employing password managers and meticulously verifying Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates, are crucial in combating these scams.” he says.
Beware Of Email Scams And Malware.
Email scams have become increasingly diverse and convincing, often impersonating a trusted contact like a boss, coworker, or friend.
With scammers leveraging even ChatGPT to craft messages, Frank stresses the importance of scrutinizing emails for discrepancies and being wary of unsolicited messages, especially those with links pertaining to account details or financial transactions.
Clicking on malicious links can lead to malware, with the CTO advising immediate shutdown of affected devices and professional IT assistance to mitigate further risks.
Highlighting the vulnerability of public figures to such cons, with incidents involving former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela and politician Helen Zille referenced, Frank cautions that anyone’s digital identity can be exploited for scams.
In conclusion, He cautions against the lasting personal and professional damages that may result from such cyberattacks.
