In the News
Social media has become a hotbed for phishing attacks. In ‘Nasty List’ Phishing Scam Targets Instagram Users, Phil Muncaster at InfoSecurity Magazine discusses the most recent phishing attack plaguing Instagram users. Muncaster explains that users received direct messages with a startling message, one stating that the user has been featured on a ‘nasty list’. This has the prompts an emotional response on the user to click the profile linked to the message and ultimately give the attacker access to their account. Muncaster states that once the attack has access to a user’s account, the same message is spread to all of their contacts as well.
Our Take
We have all seen the scam messages from a friend on one of the many social media platforms promising crazy deals or startling information followed by an apology post that their account was hacked. While it may seem like this is a simple reality of the constant social media use present in today’s society, it can take many forms with some more dangerous than others. It is hard not to click on a post, link, or account especially if a message prompts an emotional response. Whether this response is to jump on the prospect of a good deal or out of fright that your name was attached to a horrible page, take a second to compose yourself before you click. These attackers rely upon emotional responses to catch their prey.
Recommendations
How can you protect the security and privacy of your devices and accounts?
- Don’t reuse your account passwords, and take advantage of multi-factor authentication whenever possible
- Avoid clicking directly on links, whether in email or social media – always search through your search engine to verify legitimacy and find the appropriate site
- Refrain from opening suspicious attachments
- Proceed with the same level of caution on your mobile devices as you would on a desktop
- Track your finances carefully to notice suspicious transactions before they become dangerous