As National Cyber Security Awareness Month concludes, UCF InfoSec wants to make the UCF community aware of the potential for phishing attacks taking advantage of the following current events, in addition to reminding UCF of the PegaSec Cyber Security Expo this Friday, October 30:
- PegaSec: Virtual Cyber Security Expo, this Friday, 10/30
We’re closing out National Cyber Security Awareness Month with our virtual PegaSec Cyber Security Expo on Friday, October 30. This year we have ten presentations from industry experts, FBI special agents, and UCF researchers. Join us to learn how to defend your accounts and information against phishing attacks, avoid becoming a fraud victim, and more! PegaSec is a full day event, but you can choose different agenda items that suit your schedule and interests. View the full agenda and reserve your spot: https://infosec.ucf.edu/pegasec .
- Election 2020
As we get closer to November 3, we anticipate an increase in election-related phishing messages. Recently, voters in Florida and in other states received threatening emails in which the sender demanded recipients change their party registration and vote for that party’s candidate. The messages contained recipients’ personal information to lend credibility to the threat.
Remember: in Florida, your voter registration information (e.g., your name, address, date of birth, party affiliation, phone number, and email address, but not for whom you voted) is considered public record, so don’t believe cyber criminals who claim they obtained it through a breach of your accounts.
- Holidays
We expect to see the return of holiday-themed phishing attacks this year, especially given how socially distanced we may be from family and friends. Special sale offers, holiday greetings e-cards, and package delivery notifications may be used by cyber criminals hoping to entice you to click on malicious links or download malware.
Remember: if you didn’t order anything, question any shipping notifications you may receive. Closely examine the sender information and any links, and don’t open any attachments without confirming with the sender.
- COVID-19
Phishing messages leveraging COVID-19 continue to be reported. Cyber attackers will send messages designed to instill fear, uncertainty, confusion, and doubt. As the pandemic continues, we may see an increase in phishing messages claiming to offer information about outbreaks in your area, changes to local policies, or updates on vaccine efforts.
Remember: Closely examine any messages that convey a sense of urgency or pressure you to take some action, such as clicking a link or downloading an attachment.
We hope to see you at PegaSec, and as always thank you for being safe and vigilant against cybercriminals!