malware

Smishing is cyber crime carried out through text messages on your phones and tablet.

Here’s more:

Cybercrime aimed at mobile devices is skyrocketing – especially among texting and SMS messages since the technology works among all devices and tablets. Since this form of cyber attack reaches you on your phone or tablet, it has the capability to catch you when you’re in a hurry or not paying as close attention making you more likely to get caught off gaurd.

To get to the point, cyber criminals are out there to steal your personal data which will eventually get them enough information to steal money – sometimes yours but also sometimes your company’s.

Here’s how you can protect yourself!

• When you get an unsolicited message, don’t act swiftly – act with caution.
• No financial institution or merchant will ask you to update your account information
• Never click a reply link or phone number in a message you are unsure about
• Look out for suspicious calling or texting numbers
• Refuse to take the bait – don’t respond

1. Phishing: fraud through legitimate looking emails
2. SMiShing: phishing via texts and SMS messages
3. Vishing: voice phishing via phone calls

Phone numbers, emails and links to websites can look like real communications from trusted sources when they could be scams.  Messages encourage you to react quickly and if you do not react, the communications indicate you’ll face consequences.

Phishing and SMiShing working through legitimate looking emails or text messages requiring you to click on a link.  When you click on a link, the website looks legitimate.

Many Vishing and SmiShing calls and text messages come from 800 numbers that are actually from legitimate and trusted sources as the fraudsters can spoof the numbers.  If you call the number, the number may be linked to an automated system.

To gain your trust, sometimes Fraudsters will bait you with friendly conversation, text messages or emails.

FirstOak Bank will never call, email or send you a text message and ask for your personal information.

 

Ransomware is a form of malware that targets information on your computer for the purpose of extortion.  After the user has been locked out of a system or important information has be gained, the cyber actor demands a ransom payment.

Examples of Ransomware

“Your computer was used to visit websites with illegal content. To unlock your computer, you must pay a $100 fine.”

Don’t be fooled!

Attackers often gain access to your computer and files by tricking users to disclose passwords or logins through email attachments.  Never click on unsolicited links or open attachments in emails from recipients you don’t know.

Ways to prevent against it

1. Install antivirus software on your computer and keep them up to data

2. Never open unsolicited emails and / or click on unsolicited attachment

3. Make sure you’re running anti spam software

Malware is a catch-all term covering anything bad on the internet including viruses, worms, and other harmful computer programs to destroy and gain access to sensitive information.

Types of Malware:

1. Virus – software that enters its’ own code and replicates itself

2. Worm – replicates itself similar to a virus but doesn’t spread to other systems

3. Trojan – disguises itself as legitimate software but really serves a malicious purpose

4. Ransomware – encrypts users data and blocks information until a ransom is paid

5. Spyware – installs itself on a device and monitors a users activity for credit cards and more

Ways to prevent against it:

1. Install antivirus software on your computer and keep them up to date

2. Never open unsolicited emails and / or click on unsolicited attachments

3. Make sure you’re running anti spam software

4. Only install programs from trusted sources