Potential Hurricane Matthew Phishing Scams

["US-CERT" <US-CERT () ncas us-cert gov>]

U.S. Department of Homeland Security US-CERT

National Cyber Awareness System:

 

Potential Hurricane Matthew Phishing Scams [ 
https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/current-activity/2016/10/11/Potential-Hurricane-Matthew-Phishing-Scams ] 10/11/2016 11:51 
AM EDT 
Original release date: October 11, 2016

US-CERT warns users to remain vigilant for malicious cyber activity seeking to capitalize on interest in Hurricane 
Matthew. Users are advised to exercise caution in handling any email with subject line, attachments, or hyperlinks 
related to Hurricane Matthew, even if it appears to originate from a trusted source. Fraudulent emails will often 
contain links or attachments that direct users to phishing or malware-infected websites. Emails requesting donations 
from deceptive charitable organizations commonly appear after major natural disasters.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to use caution when encountering these types of email messages and take the 
following preventative measures to protect themselves from phishing scams and malware campaigns:


  * Do not follow unsolicited web links in email messages. 
  * Use caution when opening email attachments. Refer to the Using Caution with Email Attachments [ 
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-010.html ] Cyber Security Tip for more information on safely handling email 
attachments. 
  * Keep antivirus and other computer software up-to-date. 
  * Refer to the Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks [ http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-014.html ] 
Cyber Security Tip for more information on social engineering attacks. 
  * Review the Federal Trade Commission information on Charity Scams [ 
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0011-charity-scams ]. 
  * Verify the legitimacy of any email solicitation by contacting the organization directly through a trusted contact 
number. You can find trusted contact information for many charities on the BBB National Charity Report Index [ 
http://give.org/charity-reviews/national ]. 
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