Information/Cybersecurity Center

Cyber actors may send emails with malicious attachments or embedded links connecting you to fraudulent websites to trick you into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes. Be wary of unsolicited social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19, and use extreme caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink.

Remain vigilant and take precautions such as avoid clicking on links in unsolicited phishing emails, only use trusted sources for updated COVID-19 information, and never disclose your personal/financial information to unsolicited contacts. 

Technology affords opportunities for working remotely during times of emergency.  Employees working remotely during COVID-19 have a responsibility to address cybersecurity risks for their home networks, personal computing devices, and other internet-connected devices.

Minimize the risk of a successful cyberattack while working remotely by not letting anyone else use your work device, follow Information Security policies for equipment and software maintenance, data handling/destruction, and secure access controls to your work environment.

Mobile banking usage has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the benefits of mobile banking comes the risk by cyber criminals of exploiting consumers who are new or unfamiliar to these methods of banking. The Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has provided easy to read and understand information associated with security protections for privacy and mobile device applications.  Take a look at this Homeland Security link (safe to click):  Security Tip (ST19-003).

The FBI reports criminals are impersonating victims and using their stolen Personally Identifiable Information (PII) to submit fraudulent unemployment insurance claims online. Many victims do not know they have been targeted until notified afterwards.

The FBI advises the public to be on the lookout for:

1. Receiving unemployment insurance forms when you have not applied for benefits
2. Unauthorized transactions/fees on your bank or credit card statements
3. Fake websites and social media pages impersonating official government agencies
4. Monitor your bank accounts on a regular basis for any fraudulent activity

Personally Identifiable Information (PII):  Any information about an individual that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, such as name, social security number, date and place of birth, mother‘s maiden name, or biometric records; and any other information that is linked or linkable to an individual, such as medical, educational, financial, and employment information.