Now more than ever, we need to be vigilant looking for scams related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). WaTech's Office of Cybersecurity is monitoring all activity and will share the latest news, updates and resources on this page.
Latest news
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released an alert reminding individuals to remain vigilant for scams related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cyber actors may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes. Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19.
CISA encourages individuals to remain vigilant and take the following precautions.
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments. See Using Caution with Email Attachments and Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Scams for more information.
- Use trusted sources—such as legitimate, government websites—for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID-19.
- Do not reveal personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information.
- Verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations. Review the Federal Trade Commission’s page on Charity Scams for more information.
- Review CISA Insights on Risk Management for COVID-19 for more information.
Resources
- FBI: Cyber criminals take advantage of COVID-19 pandemic to target teleworking employees through fake termination Phishing emails and meeting invites.
- Tips for safely using public Wi-Fi
- CISA has created an overview of coronavirus disinformation and steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of sharing inaccurate information with your friends and family.
- Cybercrime and online fraud resources for businesses and individuals from the Cybercrime Support Network
- Video conferencing best practices
- Cybersecurity online health guidance
- Planning and Response Guidance for State CIOs (NASCIO)
- Security Awareness Deployment Guide – Working From Home (SANS Institute)
- Top Five Steps to Securely Work from Home (SANS Institute)
- Creating a Cybersecure Home (SANS Institute)
- Preventing Eavesdropping and Protecting Privacy on Virtual Meetings (NIST blog, March 17)
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Websites
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Report a cybersecurity incident
Washington state agencies should call 360-407-8800 (option #2) to report cybersecurity incidents.
Contact
If you need assistance or have questions related to COVID-19 please contact: cybersecurity@ocs.wa.gov.