Social engineering attacks are on the upswing against large businesses and small and medium-sized businesses. It is not only the frequency of attacks that has become a problem. Social engineering attacks have become increasingly complex in recent months and years. Today’s hackers are utilizing incredibly creative methods to trick employees and others into turning over sensitive information. If you have not yet allied with an LA IT support provider, it’s now time to do so.
About Social Engineering Attacks
Social engineering attacks require a psychological manipulation that fools an employee into turning over important information. In most cases, social engineering attacks make use of email or other communications that make the target feel pressured, fearful and a sense of urgency. Drumming up such feelings makes it that much more likely that the target will hand over important information, click a file that contains a covert attack or click a link that leads to a virus.
Do not believe the hype that evil-doers are simply attempting to exploit weaknesses in operating systems. In reality, these miscreants are actually targeting unsuspecting employees. It is easier to manipulate a person than master the technical skills necessary to hack into a computer or network. More than 95 percent of all malware attempts to trick a user with a form of social engineering. Less than 5 percent is centered on taking advantage of a technical weakness.
Social Engineering Attacks: Phishing
Phishing is the most popular source of social engineering attacks. A whopping 91 percent of all data breaches stem from phishing. There is no doubt that this is one of the most devious forms of social engineering attack. Phishing attacks differ by the time of year, current events and all sorts of other variables.
Some hackers use a ransomware attachment to target those who wait to file their taxes. Such an attachment is actually a Microsoft Word file. This file is infected with a ransomware payload. The targeted user’s files are encrypted after he opens the attached file. Even linked network drives are encrypted until the ransom is paid. Phishing scammers will even fake a court’s notice to appear email or send nasty attachments to job portals that can be manipulated to transmit phishing emails.
The Dropbox Link Scam
Dropbox links laden with nasty software are emailed more regularly than most assume. There has even been a phony Dropbox password reset phishing email that redirects targets to a page that states the browser must be updated. Those who elect to update the browser by clicking the proposed button end up with a Trojan on their computer.
The Fax Notice Scam
This scam provides a phony link to a fake fax. The true damage is done to the target’s computer. If your company still faxes documents, beware of this scam. LA IT support experts can help you avoid such scams, educate your workforce about these threats and prepare your hardware in the proper manner.
Every organization should be concerned about digital attacks. An LA IT support provider can improve your digital security and reduce your network downtime. Whether you are looking for network design, IT services, backup and disaster recovery or virtualization, look no further than Advanced Networks. Contact us now for more information.
