A recent increase in cyber scams has led to police warning businesses and individuals to keep on their guard.
“In the last month we have noticed a dramatic increase in not only the number of scams circulating, but the sophisticated nature of these scams,” Acting Detective Superintendent Terry Lawrence said.
“We are concerned and need to ensure the community is taking every possible step to prevent this from happening to them.
He said malware and ransomware attacks were highly profitable for criminals.
Recent attacks have also included identity theft through phishing, hacking, remote access scams and document theft.
Targets had been individuals, businesses and government agencies.
“The offenders behind these attacks are relentless and while we continue to see the same scams reinvented or reinterpreted, there are always new ones that leave us very concerned,” Acting Det Supt Lawrence said.
He said in malware attacks offenders were tricking people into installing software on their computers which gave scammers access to their files and the ability to track their activities.
Ransomware attacks usually targeted businesses, demanding money to “unlock” files which scammers have quarantined.
Identity theft often targets individuals through phishing (links in emails), hacking (gaining access through security scams), and remote access scams (allowing a “help desk” to take control of your computer).
“In the business sector ‘wire scams’ have also been a recent concern for us,” Acting Det Supt Lawrence said.
“(These) involve scammers using legitimate email accounts (often representing to be a senior member of the business) and requesting a transfer of money.”
Other business threats include hacking attempts on businesses through security gaps.
Large internet sites with big consumer databases are targeted and customers’ details stolen. These are then either on-sold or the business held to ransom.
Acting Det Supt Lawrence said there were some simple steps everyone could take to protect themselves.
Resources such as Scamwatch and Stay Smart Online list current scams and threats and offer advice on how to protect yourself.
Other simple steps include:
- Do not open attachments or click links in emails or social media messages that are unsolicited. Delete them.
- Be wary of any free downloads or website access. They may install harmful software without you even being aware.
- Keep your security up-to-date on all your electronic devices.
- Never send money or give credit card, passwords, online account details or documents to anyone you do not know.
- Be careful of the information you post on your social media profile. A birthday, middle name and address can be enough for a scammer to build a profile on you and steal your identity.
If you have been the victim of cybercrime, report it to ACORN (the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network).
