The easiest way to spread malware or direct a user to a website that steals personal data is to send an email with a virus attachment or phishing link.
The State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine has reminded that cybercriminals can send letters with malicious content to emails, private messages on social networks and messengers, SMS, chats, etc.
“A post with a link to a fraudulent website can even be posted in a local news outlet or group. In such cases, speculations on social benefits allegedly from the state for internally displaced persons and Ukrainians who suffered during the war are often used,” the State Special Communications Service warned.
1.To avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime, you need to:
2. Use information only from official, verified sources:
- verified pages (with a blue tick) of public authorities in social networks;
- websites of public authorities, whose addresses must end in “gov.ua”.
3. Carefully check the recipient and content of messages:
- do not follow links or download files from strangers;
- verify the information received in the notification in other sources and on the official pages of government agencies.
4. Do not enter any personal data unless you are sure that the site is secure. Remember that https at the beginning of a website address indicates a secure connection, while http is not secure, meaning that data and passwords can be stolen.
5. Download only licensed software and applications from official developer websites. There are free licensed alternatives to overly expensive programs.
6. Check chatbots with a bot checker.
7. Follow CERT-UA notifications about the spread of malware and online fraud.
