Cyberattacks on the Rise - COVID-19 /
Stimulus Package Phishing Awareness

In our continued effort to keep our clients informed and educated, we want to share information and raise awareness about the increased security risks due to the impact of COVID-19 virus. Please take a moment to educate yourself, your staff and your contacts about this rise of attempted cyberattacks. We encourage you to share this information as you see fit.

COVID-19 & Stimulus Package Phishing Attacks and Disinformation

Phishing attacks linked to the Coronavirus are on the rise. Cybercriminals are using this opportunity to gain access to company and personal information. Virus related Phishing Emails dripping with malware are a significant problem. Expect it to get worse in our region. Fear or a desire to learn about a “brand new prevention” or a “source of masks” or “toilet paper” or “get your stimulus check now” are emotions hackers prey upon. Don't let emotions get in your way. Please don't risk taking your company down with a Ransomware attack at this time. Be extra careful!

Disinformation is being used to incite confusion and spread malware. The U.S. Health and Human Services Department was hacked Sunday and fake texts were sent out falsely proclaiming a national quarantine. Expect more of the same.

Tips to protect your business and your employees…

• Think before you click
• Examine the link
• Don't open attachments
• Guard your financial statements

Consider viewing Coronavirus information EXCLUSIVELY from reputable web sites. Go to Google and search for them by typing in the name of the organization.

Try to avoid using a link you are sent as some of these may be phishing or breach attempts. This includes emails sent to you by trusted sources including friends and family.

The US Government Will NOT Contact You via Phone or Email

Excerpt from the FTC.gov website:

As the Coronavirus takes a growing toll on people's pocketbooks, there are reports that the government will soon be sending money by check or direct deposit to each of us. The details are still being worked out, but there are a few really important things to know, no matter what this looks like.

1. The government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get this money. No fees. No charges.
2. The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number. Anyone who does is a scammer.
3. These reports of checks aren't yet a reality. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.

Here Are Some Sites We Recommend Monitoring

• Centers for Disease Control
• CDC's prevention steps: find this on the CDC web site
• California Department of Public Health
• Your County or City Department of Public Health
• Federal Trade Commission
• Internal Revenue Service

How We Can Help

If you are not already leveraging our PRO-IT cyber security tools, we encourage you to contact us so we can evaluate your current environment and strategize with you steps that can be taken to promptly enhance it.

If someone clicks on something, make sure you or that person notifies ATS and our team will check it out. The ATS team will do everything in our power to protect and support you, your employees and your business. If we can be of service to you now or in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out.

ATS Communications, Inc.

2500 Annalisa Drive|Suite 200|Concord, CA 94520|(925) 602-1500

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