The Grenada National Cyber Security Incident Response Team (C-SIRT Gnd) says it’s concerned about the increase in phishing attacks leveled against Whats-App and Facebook social media accounts and pages belonging to Grenadians.
In addition to the old phishing tricks, C-SIRT says they are now seeing more malicious-sponsored posts and an increase in fake look-alike profiles specifically designed for Grenadian people.
C-SIRTsays it’s also deeply troubled by the number of reported cases of compromised accounts resulting from users falling victim to the attacks.
REPORT:
CSIRT-Gnd is reminding the public not to accept friend requests on social media without first verifying who’s requesting and always check and ensure that a message is coming from the entity it purports to be coming from before responding to it or clicking any link or links therein.
Never share any code you receive with anyone unless you are prepared to give up control of your account or device to whoever is asking you to share it with them.
Grenadians are also called upon, C-SIRT says, to be on the lookout for deep fake content which seeks to dupe individuals into either sharing their personal information with bad-actors, visiting malicious websites, or investing in get-rich-schemes that will result in them losing their money.
Admittedly, being safe online requires some effort on the part of Internet users, but this pales in comparison to the amount of effort needed to recover a compromised account or recuperate money sent to scammers.
There are things one can do to improve their level of security and online safety, such as ensuring that strong passwords or passphrases are used, and that proper password hygiene is practiced, as well as enabling two-factor authentication once the option is available.
C-Sirt is advising that social media users properly assess ALL links and attachments before clicking on them or downloading them and Keep your device and software up to date and that updates should be installed as soon as they are made available.
Anyone needing assistance verifying content or offers found online, or for general online safety information and advice can reach out to the National Cyber Security Incident Response Team on WhatsApp and Telegram (473) 423-2478; via email at csirtgnd@gov.gd; or on Facebook, Instagram and X at @csirtgnd.
