According to the UK National Cyber Security Centre, cyber criminals are preying on fears of the Coronavirus and sending ‘phishing’ emails that try and trick users into clicking on a bad link. Once clicked, the user is sent to an untrustworthy website which could download malware onto your computer or steal passwords. The scams may claim to have a ‘cure’ for the virus, offer a financial reward, or be encouraging you to donate.

Like many phishing scams, these emails are preying on real-world concerns to try and trick people into doing the wrong thing.

For genuine information about the virus, please use trusted resources such as the Gov.Uk, Public Health England or NHS websites.

Recent BBC research identifies the following email title examples, each aimed at evoking an emotive response in the reader, leading them to ‘click’ on falsified and fraudulent links:

• “Click here for a cure”
• “Covid-19 tax refund”
• “Little measure that saves”
• “The virus is now airborne”
• “Donate here to help the fight”

Our organisational response to the coronavirus pandemic is presenting a variety of challenges for us all. Please do not fall for the unscrupulous efforts of those that seek to take advantage of the issue.

Detailed advice on how to stay safe online is available via the following SharePoint, including an informative video filmed in partnership between CEMEX and the UK Police Cyber Prevent Team.

Visit: https://cemex.sharepoint.com/sites/UKCyberSafetyDay