As hurricanes and other natural disasters feel their presence, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a warning urging individuals to be on high alert for potential malicious cyber activities.
The agency highlights the increased risk of fraudulent emails and social media messages that often follow in the wake of major natural disasters.
Beware of Malicious Emails and Social Media Messages
CISA warns that cybercriminals frequently exploit the chaos surrounding natural disasters by sending out fraudulent emails and social media messages.
These communications often contain malicious links or attachments to compromise personal information or devices. The agency advises extreme caution when handling emails with hurricane-related subject lines, attachments, or hyperlinks.
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Additionally, users should be skeptical of social media pleas, texts, or door-to-door solicitations related to severe weather events.
Verify Information from Trusted Sources
CISA emphasizes the importance of verifying hurricane-related guidance from trusted sources to avoid falling victim to scams.
Individuals are encouraged to rely on information from local officials and reputable disaster response organizations, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and DHS’s Ready.gov.
By ensuring that information comes from credible sources, individuals can protect themselves from fraudulent schemes designed to exploit their vulnerability during these times.
CISA recommends several resources to help individuals avoid disaster-related scams. The Federal Trade Commission offers guidance on staying alert to scams and advice on charitable giving.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides information on frauds and scams, while FEMA offers disaster fraud guidance.
Additionally, CISA’s phishing guidance can help organizations reduce the likelihood and impact of successful phishing attacks by stopping the attack cycle at its initial phase.
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