Insights

What is Happening?


Last week, Google says it saw more than 18 million daily malware and phishing emails related to COVID-19 scams. This is in addition to more than 240 million COVID-related daily spam messages.

The phishing attacks and scams Google are seeing use both fear and financial incentives to create urgency to try to prompt users to respond (šŸ˜  see examples).

Scams include:

  • Impersonating government organisations like the World Health Organization to try to solicit donations
  • Pretending to have information about government stimulus payments
  • Phishing attempts aimed at workers who are now working remotely

What Does it Mean?


IT and security teams are facing increased pressure to navigate the challenges of COVID-19.

Phishing remains of the most effective methods that attackers use to compromise accounts and gain access to company data and resources. In fact, scammers are creating new attacks and scams every day that attempt to take advantage of the fear and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.

For Google, security needs to remain at the top of the priority list. For businesses, it's important to keep in mind best practises when it comes to cybersecurity.

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