The internet is the place most of us spend our time, but it is becoming increasingly perilous for individuals and businesses. The number of small to medium businesses (SMBs) that experience malware attacks has risen to 50%. In some cases, these attacks are dealt with quickly and efficiently, but many do permanent damage and can even cause a business to go under.
Cyber criminals are becoming more sophisticated in their techniques, whether they are focused on crypto scams, forex trading scams, or spear phishing. Gone are the laughably obvious scams such as the Nigerian prince mass email fraud. Now, scammers are finding ways through social engineering to impersonate government organizations and even departments within a company.
The result is that company and customer data becomes compromised and funds can be drained from accounts. In this case, the help of a fund recovery service can help a company retain its reputation for reliability and help it stay afloat. Scam Survivor consults with individuals and businesses to pick up the pieces after a cyber scam and to begin the fund recovery process.
Cyber scams are out to take your money, but Scam Survivor will protect you and help you make a successful claim. Our professionals consult with people who have been affected by crypto scams and forex trading scams. We have the solutions that will help you succeed in your case.
Types of Cyber Scams and How They Affect SMBs
Hackers no longer have to figure out complex ways to penetrate company devices and networks. With sophisticated phishing and specifically spear phishing scams, they can convince employees to open the door for them to access company and client data. The following are some tactics and types of cyber scams affecting companies:
- Mass emailing phishing scams
Spear phishing
Social engineering or Impersonation - Low-tech methods
We all have likely come across mass emailing phishing scams. The Nigerian prince scam comes to mind. However, instead of just claiming to be someone else, these mass emailing scams use logos and copy the communication of major companies and government agencies. For instance, you may get a notice from Google to verify your information and you will be given a link. If you click on the link, then the malware will infect your device.
Spear phishing is more focused than mass emails. It is facilitated by the amount of information people reveal on social media and by getting data from other sources. The hacker will target crucial employees with an email that will encourage them to download a document or click on a link. Many of these hackers employ social engineering which involves impersonating someone from the IT department, for example. They will claim there is a technical issue affecting the company and they need client data or to get access to a device.
Since many of us are on the lookout for hacking and manipulation through technology, some will employ low-tech methods, such as calling and asking for data over the phone. They will pretend to be someone from within the company or a tech person hired by the company and will ask for information or access.
How To Protect Your Company and Clients from Cyber Crime
A business has a lot to lose from malware and ransomware. Not only can your funds be stolen, but customer data can be compromised. This can lead to clients becoming the victims of identity theft and can, in addition to the loss of funds directly resulting from the attack, be a marketing disaster.
No SMB can afford a cyber attack. Here are some ways to stay safe:
- Ensure all security software is up to date
- Do not open any link or download any file without verifying the source is authentic
- Look at the domain
- Google subject lines of suspicious emails
- Never Rush
- Require all employees follow best practices for cybersecurity
Although 50% of businesses face a malware attack, a very small percentage of companies ensure that all employees use updated security software. This is a relatively quick and easy way to avoid a potentially catastrophic cyber attack. Having the best security software you can afford and updating it is invaluable.
However, even the best software is no replacement for best practices. Every employer should require employees to comply with best practices for security. This means never clicking on a link or download any file without verifying the sender. This goes beyond just recognizing the name, but it means checking the domain and sending a message or calling a department to confirm the email is legitimate if needed.
Even though verifying communications requesting sensitive information can take a few minutes, not employer should mind a slight delay if that means keeping company and client data safe. For instance, regarding suspicious mass emails, googling the subject line may reveal that it is a scam. One tactic used by hackers is a false sense of haste. They will tell the recipient that it is an emergency and they have to act fast. This is to tempt them away from taking a few seconds to confirm all sensitive communication.
How Fund Recovery Services Help
In spite of precautions, cybercriminals are determined to penetrate a company and seize data and funds. When this has happened, it is important to report it immediately to authorities and to use dependable fund recovery services to retrieve money for clients and the company.
A factor in customers deciding to stick with a company is how it responds to a crisis and protects customers. Using a fund recovery service that is experienced in all types of fraud, from identity theft to forex trading scams and crypto scams is the best way to deal with the aftermath of a cyber attack.
Are You Looking for a Reliable Fund Recovery Service? Talk to Scam Survivor
If your company has experienced a cyber attack, talk to us. The Scam Survivor team has vast experience investigating fraud, including cyberattacks, crypto scams, and forex trading scams, and aiding clients with their complaints. Our strong working relationship with regulators, authorities and financial services gives you a decisive advantage and helps you in your pursuit of fund recovery.