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Todo o mundo Most incursions into computer networks occur through phishing expeditions, in which hackers send emails to staff members that contain links to malicious websites. In some cases, the links take users to websites that install malware onto local computers. In other instances, links embedded in emails directly download viruses onto computer systems.
Ransomware, spyware (snoops around computers and networks and reports information back to hackers), and software that gives hackers control of the infected computer are the common applications delivered to unsuspecting businesses by cybercriminals. Targeted "spoofing" emails involve communications sent from someone who imitates authority figures like chief executives and owners to issue orders. In the Sunrun case, the spoofer's email address looked almost identical to that of the CEO.
Spoofing emails often go directly to a business' accounting manager with a request to disburse funds to a customer's bank account. The email provides the bank account information and fund transfer details. Many unsuspecting managers have sent amounts ranging from a few thousand dollars to a few million dollars to the bank accounts of cybercriminals.
The FBI reports that more than 22,000 organizations around the world have lost more than $ 3 billion to spoofing scams over the last three years, according to the BBC. The most effective way to combat the scourge is to educate every single staff member in the company, from the owner on down, in how to spot phishing and spoofing emails. | 