How to Recognize a Phishing Email? How to Respond to It?

When people work a lot, often go to meetings, and correspond with clients all the time, they get used to quickly review messages without going into details. At the same time, not everyone is well aware of the latest cyber threats and cannot immediately recognize them. In fact, these employees are ideal victims of phishing. Without noticing that the letter is malicious, the victim can give cybercriminals access to the corporate network and confidential information. By going to a phishing site, through carelessness, a person can lose a decent amount.

Successful phishing attacks can be very costly for a company. They put important data at risk, which may include private customer data, which can seriously damage your reputation.

It is important for employees to understand how phishing works, to be able to recognize phishing emails right away and to know what to do if they encounter it.

How Are Phishing Emails Spread?

Most phishing scams are targeted at a specific company. It is much easier for cybercriminals to gain access to valuable information through employees than to hack into the system on their own.

The success of a phishing campaign depends on three factors:

• The sender of the letter must inspire confidence
• The letter must contain reliable facts
• The request in the letter should be logical, addressed to a specific person

Attackers carefully prepare for their attacks: these are not random mailings. Cybercriminals study information about the company and its employees so that the letter does not raise any suspicions. Often, phishing emails are sent not to ordinary employees, but to managers who have access to more information. As a rule, such letters contain an urgent request that requires immediate action from the manager.

What Should Alert Employees?

There are some hint signs in emails that you need to check. If an email contains several such signs, it is most likely a phishing email. Pay attention to the following factors:

• Did this letter come from someone with whom you correspond frequently?
• Did you expect to receive letters on this topic from this employee? (If accounting regularly reminds you of invoicing a client and then unexpectedly asks for something completely different, it's best to check it out)
• Is there an urgent request in the letter that requires immediate action?
• Is this a standard request or an unusual one?
• Is the writing style consistent with the normal sender's style?
• Does the letter match your corporate style?
• Have your colleagues received similar emails?
• Hover over the link to see what it shows - it could be a fake link or a suspicious URL shortening

If something confuses you about an email, check the sender's email address. For example, you may see that the sender's name is familiar to you, but the email address is not his.

How to Respond to a Suspicious Email?

If you are sure that the email you received is a phishing email, do not open attachments, follow the links in the email, or reply to it. Needless to say, you can send passwords or credentials by mail.

Forward the letter to IT or security. If your company doesn't have them, tell your management about it. It is important to warn the rest of the employees: it is possible that attackers will send similar letters to other employees.

Company security does not begin or end with an information security expert or IT department. Cybercriminals often target the weakest link - the frontline employee. Therefore, everyone needs to be aware of the latest threats and tactics that cybercriminals use to keep the company safe. Also, the device should be well protected with complete security software.

Most Common Ways to Get Infected by Viruses

Infect a Computer

There are dozens of ways that a computer can become infected with spyware, viruses, and/or malware. Below is a list of ways your computer devices can get infected. The list is made starting with the most common.

1) Accept Without Reading

One of the most common ways of infecting a computer is when a user accepts what he sees on the screen without reading the message before continuing. For example:

While browsing the Internet, an advertisement or window occurs saying that your computer is infected or that it needs a plug-in. Without fully understanding what you are receiving, you accept the notice.

When installing or updating a program, you are prompted (often the checkboxes are already checked) to install additional programs that you may not want or are designed to monitor the use of the program.

Tip: When installing a program, you are given the options between automatic and custom installation. If you are installing something from the internet, it is best to do a custom install to ensure nothing is added or changed during the installation.

2) Download Any Infected Software

When downloading any software (programs, utilities, games, updates, demos, etc.) from the Internet, be sure to download the software from a reliable source. Ensure the running of your downloads through your antivirus and spyware scanners upon completion. During the installation process, read all the instructions on what program you are installing.

Tip: You can help yourself to verify if a website is trustworthy using tools like WOT.

3) Open Email Attachments

As a general rule of thumb, don't open emails you didn't expect to receive. Devices can become infected when users open email attachments that contain malicious code. Even if the message is from a coworker, friend, or family member, always be careful before opening a link or downloading an attachment.

4) Insert or Connect an Infected USB, Disk, or Drive

Any disk, drive, or USB plugged in or inserted into your computer may be infected with a virus. A common tactic used by hackers to gain access to a network is leaving behind a USB drive with malicious code. Then when a user places the USB stick in their computer, they get infected with a virus or Trojan horse.

Note: This exact rule applies to any network drive. If another computer has access to yours or to a drive accessible from it, a virus can move between computers and other devices on a network.

5) Visit Unknown Links

If a malicious person has designed a website, they could give you access, send malicious files, or obtain confidential information about you. You always have to be careful and distrust any link that comes to you by chat, email, or SMS.

Note: a commonly used phishing tactic is to make a link or page appear legitimate so that you give out data, but it actually redirects you to where the hacker wants.

6) Do Not Perform Updates

Many of the updates, especially those associated with Microsoft Windows, are security-oriented. Always keep your operating system and your programs updated. Add-ons associated with your browser can also contain security vulnerabilities. To make sure you have the latest versions, you can run the 'Computer Hope' tool to check the installed plugins and their versions.

7) Pirating Software, Music, or Movies

If you or someone who uses your computer participates in service to exchange copyrighted music, movies, or software, you may be at risk. Sometimes these files and programs contain viruses, spyware, Trojans, or malicious software in addition to what you think you are downloading.

8) Not Having Antivirus

If you are operating with a computer that has Microsoft Windows, it is recommended that you have some type of antivirus, antispyware, or malware protection. This software can remove any existing viruses and spyware, as well as help prevent future infections.

10 Tips to Avoid Computer Virus Being Infected

In addition to technical vulnerabilities, the employee is often the easiest way for an attacker to access company data. The reason: uncertainty, ignorance, or convenience in daily work.

But this disadvantage can turn into an opportunity for you. You can significantly reduce the risk of attacks on your company with regular employee training. We recommend our training courses: Computer Security for Employees and Data Protection for Employees.

Don't worry, your employees don't have to be computer specialists. We will teach you the basic rules that you must use to make your company much more secure.

1. Regular Updates

First of all, you should keep the software on your computer as up-to-date as possible and regular updates will help you. It is recommended to activate the automatic software update function. Updates help eliminate potential security holes. Be aware of regular updates to your browsers and email programs.

2. Protect Your Computer With Antivirus Programs

Install an updated antivirus (We recommend complete security software.) that helps protect your computer from viruses and Trojans. Programs of this type scan your computer, manually or automatically, and report any problems that occur. There are three different types of analysis: real-time analysis, manual analysis, and online analysis:

Real-time Scanner: Runs in the background as a system service and controls all files, applications, and services. If virus protection has found something suspicious, the user is usually asked first what the next procedure should look like, so that the user has the power of decision.

Online Virus Scanners: Online scanners check files or the entire computer over the Internet. This works without installation and usually without registration. However, the software does not protect the computer from new infections, it only detects existing threats during the scan.

Manual Scanners: The special feature is the manual scanner setup. The user must initiate each scan by himself. If a dangerous program is found, the program displays possible solutions to neutralize it.

It must be determined in advance that the antivirus scanner is running permanently so that malicious programs can be detected at an early stage. So-called full scans are also recommended, which completely scan the computer.

Antivirus programs should be mandatory for everyone, as this dramatically increases the overall security of the computer.

3. Beware of Unknown Data Sources!

Unknown data sources include, for example, USB sticks or external hard drives. These appear to be safe at first glance but may contain malware or virus-contaminated files. Connecting a USB device may be enough to infect the computer without any signs.

Tip: Do not connect any foreign device to your computer, as you never know what may be in it. You should also not lend your devices to strangers, as a virus transmission is possible.

4. Caution With Unknown Files on the Internet

As the most important means of communication, e-mail presents a particularly high risk when it comes to phishing: therefore, you should check e-mails with archives. attachments in particular, as the malware could hide there.

You must not open email attachments from unknown senders!

You can use an antivirus program to check email attachments so that you are safe. In addition, you can opt for various types of email encryption to prevent potential virus attacks by malware. To be effectively protected, email messages must encrypt stored correspondence records and the connection to your email provider.

5. Be Careful When Installing New Software

It is very likely that everyone who surfs the Internet has already installed some software. Also in this case it must be checked beforehand whether and to what extent the source is reputable. Because when you download software onto your computer, malware can be an unwanted guest.

6. Regular Backups

Despite all security precautions, your computer may have been infected with Trojans or other malicious programs. As a result, the data is no longer accessible in the worst case.

In short: Everything is erased or can no longer be recovered. Therefore, we recommend regular backups to external storage media so that photos, videos, and documents can be stored independently of the computer.

7. Browser Security: Use Updates!

Outdated browsers are the number one target for malicious hacker attacks. You can also use different browsers for different services. This has the advantage that all plug-ins, extensions, and cookies can be disabled in a browser, as they are particularly vulnerable.

As a result, you will no longer be able to bank or shop online there, but you will be more secure on supposedly unsafe websites.

In addition, you should regularly delete your tracks on the Internet, such as the cache. This makes them more difficult for cyber attackers to detect.

8. Drive-by Download: Open Your Eyes!

Hacker attacks are becoming more frequent and imaginative. An example of this is downloaded from the hard drive. However, the attackers' approach is quite simple:

An Internet user visits a website that has previously been edited by hackers. Now, this manipulation of the website triggers a download. In some cases, this is not even noticed by the user, because there is no additional demand if the download has to be started. Once the malicious program is on the PC, the real effect can unfold and thus damage the user's device.

Now the question arises on how to optimally protect against such attacks. Here we also recommend an updated antivirus program. Otherwise, you should be on the lookout for suspicious websites or questionable downloads, as malware is very difficult to detect.

9. Use Strong Passwords

At this point, users and companies should be careful to use strong and above all complex passwords. For example, password managers can be used to store passwords securely and to generate new passwords made up of different letters, numbers, and special characters.

What Cyber Threats Do Businesses Face in 2020?

Information technology is in many ways a blessing for modern society. But there are individuals and even entire structures who want to use them for their own enrichment or banal sabotage. Therefore, a confrontation between cyber fraudsters and information security specialists (IS) is going on now and will continue for a long time. While some are improving defense tools, others are inventing more sophisticated methods of attack.

As a result, a whole set of factors (human, technical, financial, temporal) and conditions that give rise to the likelihood of an information security violation is obtained. These are cyber threats that change and improve from year to year, as the mechanisms for their detection and elimination change.

Cyber ​​threat Trends in 2020

• More than 50% of cyber attacks target information theft
• The main target of attacks in companies is personal data. For individuals - credentials and bank card details
• Mechanisms of hidden mining are improving due to the growth of the bitcoin rate
• Pinpoint attacks prevail over mass attacks
• The public sector is more likely to be infected by malware
• Cybercriminal group RTM escalates attacks on industrial companies due to their relatively weak security
• Attackers exploit supply chain management vulnerabilities in IT companies, as a result of which hacked supplier addresses become the target of phishing emails
• Attacks like Magecart on payment services are developing. Experts also detect traffic analyzers on sites that do not have a payment function

What Cyberthreats Are Currently Relevant?

1) Malicious Software

Multifunctional Trojans have the palm here, their main goal is extortion. These programs are able to: 

• encrypt data (for example, DanaBot);
• remotely administer the victim's computer (monitor what is happening on the user's computer in real-time and intercept the mouse and keyboard);
• get access to the file system (sending and receiving files, creating and destroying them);
• intercept passwords (keylogger Trojans);
• bypass applications that interfere with their work.

Experts note that the RTM group began using the AZORult info-stealer. The Trojan is distributed via software sites as a data cleaning utility G-Cleaner or VPN Private Check. It is noteworthy that there are resources on the Internet offering to download and install an info-stealer, and users are actively discussing the advantages and disadvantages of this malicious software.

2) Social Engineering

Not only specialized services but also popular platforms, such as YouTube, are exposed to cyber threats using social engineering techniques. Attackers recently ran campaigns showing people in videos how to work with free bitcoin generators. Links to the generator were under the video, and clicking on it meant the automatic loading of the info-stealer. Another video hosting campaign distributed njRAT, a Remote Administration Tool.

Attackers are known to actively use the Microsoft Azure cloud computing service for fraudulent activities. Accordingly, and similar platforms need to be managed and protected.

3) Hacking

This technique is used to make changes to the program code to achieve certain goals.

In 2019, attackers targeted Docker, a platform for automatically deploying and managing applications in containerized environments. They are looking for a Docker API with public access, for which they scan the network for hosts with an open port 2375 (unencrypted socket with remote access without a password to the host).

If the configuration of the Docker container is incorrect, attackers can install the Dofloo ransomware Trojan into it. It takes over the computing power of the victims for hidden mining and DDoS attacks.

The problem with hacking is that due to untimely updates or the use of old versions of programs, attackers can hack them, using even outdated methods and tools for this.

4) Exploiting Web Vulnerabilities

Web vulnerabilities are used not only for their “intended purpose” - data theft - but also in order to draw the attention of the general public to an event. Suffice it to recall the talk of hacker attacks on the Pentagon or on Pakistani government agencies after the terrorist attack in February this year.

Currently, attacks on sites with online payment options, where attackers use MageCart JavaScript sniffers (these are scripts to steal payment card data), are relevant.

Sniffers are dangerous because users of the sites where they are installed are not able to understand the threat because malware works imperceptibly: a form for entering card data that is indistinguishable from a real form appears on the site page.

It is worth noting that such an interface should become available only upon the fact that the user is redirected to the secure page of the payment system operator. The very fact that it requires two times in a row to enter payment details on the website and on the page of the payment operator should inspire fear in the user! But this is often ignored.

Although the attacks mainly target payment systems and online stores, cybercriminals also hack sites without payment options in order, for example, to steal user personal data.

It remains to say that the authors of the MageCart attacks do not stand still and are constantly improving the scripts.

5) Selection of Credentials

This cyber threat exploits the most vulnerable area in information security - weak passwords. At the Ethiopian Information Network Security Agency (by the way, engaged in security), the passwords of three hundred employees turned out to be too simple, as a result of which they fell into the hands of third parties and were in the public domain. More than 50% of the agency's passwords are variations of "p @ $$ w0rd", and a few dozen more are the digital combination "123".

The credential stuffing technique does not lose its relevance. It lies in the fact that cyber fraudsters use stolen credential databases. Uniqlo and GU, online clothing stores from Japan and China, have been subjected to similar attacks.

In 2019, experts reported on attacks by the Brute botnet designed to brute-force remote access passwords using the RDP protocol. As a result, 1.5 million Windows PCs were attacked. The analysis has not yet shown why cybercriminals need this, possibly to sell stolen user data in the closed communities of the shadow Internet.

Tips to Use Some Preventive Measures

• All software should be kept up to date
• An advanced antivirus like total security or complete security with data recovery software needs to be installed
• Always there should be back up data before any data loss happen
• Employees should be given training about recent cyber threats and preventive measure

The List of the 10 Worst PC Viruses Ever Existed in the World

We know that today there are millions of worst viruses of computer around the internet, some with the intention of erasing the entire hard drive or steal data from bank accounts.

The most used virus, and perhaps the most well-known, is called Trojan (Trojan horse). The person behind it can obtain passwords, personal data, important documents, and also know everything that is typed on the computer.

Unless the victim uses a good antivirus, the virus is still able to collect personal data even by changing all passwords. Perhaps the only solution is to format the computer, which leads to the loss of all files.

For you to be more attentive, check out the list of the 10 worst PC viruses :

10 - Stoned

It was one of the first computer viruses in history. In 1987, even before the world wide web (www) appeared, that is, before there was an internet, it was already possible to be afraid of viruses. The first threats were passed through floppy disks, which carried the Stoned virus.

The virus received several updates at the time, further increasing the number of computers affected. Stoned marked the beginning of everything.

09 - Jerusalem

This virus was released after Stoned in late 1987. It didn't infect more computers than it did first, but it did as much damage as it did. The Jerusalem virus destroyed .exe files, erasing all infected victims' programs.

08 - Morris Worm

The creator, Robert Tappan Morris, was arrested for computer fraud for creating the first computer worm, literally following the meaning of "Virus".

For the first time, it was possible to have a malicious program that reproduced and spread alone, without human intervention, infecting many public networks and giving headaches to more than 10% of internet users at that time.

07 - Concept

After the 3 worst viruses created in the late 80s, another one appeared, only this time in the 90s. The Concept virus changed shape with each new infection (polymorphic virus), which made its detection more complicated.

The concept virus gained more fame after it infected some Microsoft Word documents.

06 - Melissa

Created in 1999, Melissa was the first virus to self-e-mail itself to more than 50 contacts from each infected person.

With so much e-mail being sent, several servers went down, at the same time that several companies were trying to exterminate the virus.

05 - Love Bug

It was considered the worst destructive virus of all. In just 9 days, Love Bug infected and ruined more than 50 million machines connected to the internet. Its operation was similar to that of the Melissa virus. When the victim opened the infected email, the virus spread and thus obtained data from the computer.

04 - Anna Kournikova

In 2001, the Anna Kournikova virus, named after the tennis player, infected thousands of people. When they opened their e-mails, they came across a link to the supposed photo of the naked player, which was actually the virus.

Anna Kournikova (virus), collected all passwords and data from the "innocent victims".

03 - Code Red

In 2001, Code Red infected most of Microsoft's servers and more than 400,000 computers. It has been classified as a "worm" virus. It spread over systems that had just been cleaned, causing antivirus programmers to tear their hair out.

02 - Nimda

Nimda pretended to be a benign program and even stole millions of dollars. The virus had several methods of spreading and infected most computers in less than 22 minutes.

01 - FLAME virus

Developed not long ago (2012), the flame virus is not like anyone who steals your data to get money, but an invasion of privacy, opening a window in which shows everything that is done on the infected computer, in real-time.

This type of virus is generally used by certain groups to obtain confidential information from rivals or even governments.

Almost all the viruses on this list were created by the biggest hackers in the world, so it is not for nothing that you need to be aware of the threats that appear on the internet, keep in mind the purchase of the best-premium antivirus software and greater care when reading emails.

How to Clean a Virus on a Windows Laptop?

Viruses are the best-known type of Malware. Viruses are usually inserted in a program. Viruses can be active when there is a trigger.

For example, a virus is inserted in an icon, advertising banner, or another program. When the victim clicks on the program, the virus will be active. The computer used by the victim will begin to become infected.

You have to be alert when surfing the internet. Do not carelessly click or download unclear files. It could be that the program has a virus inserted.

4 Ways to Clean a Virus on a Windows Laptop

In addition to using an antivirus, there are still several ways to clean viruses on a Windows laptop which have been compiled in the article below.

Laptops that are frequently connected to the internet are very prone to viruses. If you leave it alone, you can lose important data or your laptop will have serious problems.

Don't worry, there are ways to clean viruses on a laptop so that your device is always safe. Many misunderstand computer viruses.

People consider all attacks on computer systems referred to as viruses. In fact, there are many types of attacks on computer systems, and viruses are only one of them.

1. Through the CMD Feature

One way to clean a virus on a laptop without an application is to use the CMD feature built into Windows.

With this method, you don't need to install additional antivirus applications.

Note how to get rid of viruses on a Windows 10 laptop using CMD carefully below:

• In the search field on a Windows laptop, type CMD.
• The CMD application will appear in the search results.
• Right-click on the application then selects the option Run As Administrator.
• Check the drive on the laptop one by one.
• Write "dir D: attrib -s -h / s / d" (without the quotes) to check Drive D.
• You can replace the letter D with the drive you want to check.
• All files in the destination Drive will be explored.
• Among all the files that appear, a file with an an.EXE extension will appear.
• If you don't think you've ever installed or saved the program, remove it directly via CMD.
• In case you can't delete it, delete it via Regedit Editor.
• Minimize CMD. Press Windows + R, type Regedit.
• When the Regedit Editor window opens, click the Edit menu, then select the Find option.
• Enter CMD. Virus files that you find, are copied.
• Paste it into the Find field in Regedit.
• All registry results are virus files. Erase everything.

This method is quite complicated. However, it can be an alternative choice for removing the virus.

2. Using Antivirus

Currently, there are many antiviruses made. You can choose one among them for your windows laptop.

Then install it on your computer or laptop and do the scanning process to clean the virus.

There are several antiviruses that are reliable enough to secure your laptop.

Some of the best-recommended Antiviruses are Bitdefender, McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky, AVG, Protegent, etc.

The names of this antivirus have proven their performance in securing computer systems.

How to clean a virus on a laptop with Protegent or other antivirus is quite easy. On the application's home page, there will usually be an option for scanning.

Apart from scanning regularly, don't forget to update regularly.

Viruses continue to be updated, therefore the security system on your laptop must also be updated.

3. Format the Partition

Viruses can infect and spread quickly. If it is already spread, the partition can be completely infected. One way to solve this problem is to format the partition.

The method is as follows:

• Open File Explorer.
• On the Drive you want to format, right-click.
• Select the Format option.
• A confirmation window will appear. Perform confirmation and complete the format steps.

This method is very risky because all data on the formatted Drive will be completely lost.

But if needed, this method can still be used. This method can also be an alternative way to get rid of the virus on the flash.

4. Reinstall

This method is the last resort. When the antivirus is unable to cope with and laptop performance is very bad. The risk is, all data on the laptop will be lost. After reinstalling, the laptop will be born again. Install antivirus immediately to protect the system.

How to Protect Yourself From COVID-19 Phishing

In recent days we are seeing many phishing attacks that use COVID-19 as an excuse.

Many of the COVID-19 scams that occur involve attempts by companies and individuals to sell products that they say prevent or cure the new coronavirus, which has already killed more than 899,000 people worldwide.

Scammers are selling bogus remedies ranging from colloidal silver to cow manure. But the new coronavirus is exactly that, new, and there is still no known cure. Vaccine trials are underway, but any scalable results are months away.

Cybercriminals seek to exploit our craving for information as a means of attack. Attackers frequently use COVID-19- themed phishing emails, claiming to provide official information about the virus, to get people to click on malicious links that download different types of malware onto their devices.

Attackers are also taking advantage of the fact that many people who work from home have not enforced the same security on their networks as they do at work. Either company doesn't have the right technologies or security policies in place to ensure that all corporate devices have the same Wi-Fi security protections, regardless of whether they are connected to a corporate network or an open home network.

Additionally, multiple cases have been reported of malicious Android apps related to COVID-19 giving attackers access to smartphone data or encrypting devices for ransom.

The global pandemic has also led to the creation of more than 100,000 new COVID-19 web domains, which should be treated with suspicion, even though not all are malicious.

In the wake of large-scale global events, cybercriminals are among the first to try to sow discord, spread misinformation, and seek financial gain.

10 Tips to Protect Yourself From Phishing About the Coronavirus

Both employers and individual employees have essential responsibilities to protect the business and ensure that cyberattacks do not further risk the already disrupted work environment.

Here are some tips to protect yourself from phishing about the coronavirus, whether you are an entrepreneur or an individual.

Business

At this critical time, business leaders have a greater responsibility to set clear expectations for how their organizations manage safety risks in new work environments, taking advantage of new policies and technologies, and training their employees.

It is important that safety messages come from the top of an organization, and that good examples are set from the beginning. Here are three recommendations for business leaders.

1) Understand Business Threats

It is important for employers to work with their security teams to determine the biggest threats that can arise from employees working from home and to set priorities to protect the most sensitive information and business-critical applications.

2) Offer Clear Guidance and Encourage Communication

Companies will ensure clear telecommutes, using policy including simple steps that workers must follow to perform safe work at home.

They must also train employees to notify internal security teams as soon as they detect suspicious activity.

3) Provide Adequate Security Capabilities

Companies will ensure that all company-owned devices have essential security measures in place, including existing company network security practices to all remote environments where work will be performed.

These critical capabilities include:

• Make secure user connections to your business-critical cloud and enterprise applications, such as video conferencing applications that are critical for teleworking scenarios.
• Total Security protection on all laptops and mobile devices, including encrypted VPN tools.
• Apply multi-factor authentication.
• Block exploits, malware, and command-and-control traffic using automated real-time threat intelligence.
• Filter malicious domain URLs and DNS sink to thwart common phishing attacks.

Individual Users

Individual users should be empowered to follow the guidance offered by companies and take preventive measures.

4) Keep a Good Password

Employees and individual users should use complex passwords and multi-factor authentication when possible and change these passwords frequently.

5) Update Systems and Software

People must install updates and patches in a timely manner, even on mobile devices and any other non-corporate device they can use to work.

6) Securing the WiFi Access Point

People should change their default settings and passwords to reduce the potential impact on their work of an attack through other connected devices.

7) Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

The VPN can help create a reliable connection between employees and their organizations and ensure continued access to corporate tools. Corporate VPNs provide additional protection against phishing and malware attacks, in the same way, that corporate firewalls do in the office.

8) Beware of COVID-19 Scams

As we mentioned earlier, there has been a huge increase in phishing emails, malicious domains, and rogue applications. Threat actors love to exploit real-world tragedies, and COVID-19 is no different.

9) Be Attentive to Messages and Emails Received

To detect COVID-19 email and text message scams, look for generic greetings (such as "Hello Sir / Madam"), confirmation requests for personal information, or emails related to updating your billing information to judge whether an email from a business is legitimate.

If the language of a message seems urgent, like it's trying to pressure you into providing information to avoid some kind of data disaster, it could be false. If you receive a suspicious email from a particular company or even a friend or employer, contact them by phone to verify the message before responding.

10) Don't Mix Staff and Work

Workers must use their work devices to carry out their work and their personal devices for their personal matters. If you wouldn't install or use a service while you're at the office, don't do it while you're at home on your work device.