By Joel Dresang
The latest examples of data breaches offer further warnings against phishing scams.
Learn more
How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams, from the Federal Trade Commission
Safeguard your personal and health information, from Ascension
Phishing: What you need to know, from CDK Global
Phishing involves email and texts aimed at tricking individuals into providing access to sensitive information that can lead to identity theft and ransomware attacks. Phishing appears to have played a role in a monthlong nationwide disruption of the Ascension health systems as well as widespread interference at North American car dealerships relying on CDK Global networking.
Recently, at a regular security training at Landaas & Company, staff got tips on avoiding phishing schemes from Jason Scuglik, information systems administrator. Jason’s presentation included an interactive quiz from Jigsaw, an internet security unit of Google.
Following the staff training and reports of the Ascension and CDK breaches, Kyle Tetting reminded listeners of the Money Talk Podcast to be cautious on their computers and phones.
“When you get an email, be suspicious of links, be suspicious of photos. If someone’s reaching out to you and you weren’t expecting it, maybe think a little bit longer and harder about whether you should be clicking into that email,” Kyle advised. “Our public service announcement regularly: Just be real careful with your information.”
Adam Baley added: “Always be vigilant.”
—
Joel Dresang is vice president-communications at Landaas & Company, LLC.
(Heads Up is an occasional alert on consumer and investment scams.)
(Initially posted June 26, 2024)