‘Spear Phishing’ attacks on the increase
Spear phishing is an increasingly common way to attempt to defraud businesses and individuals and the likelihood of an attack is only going to increase.
Spear phishing is an increasingly common way to attempt to defraud businesses and individuals and the likelihood of an attack is only going to increase.
‘spear phishing’ is a variant of ‘phishing’ where cyber criminals use individually targeted messages to attempt to trick people into giving up sensitive information or performing an action; the most common objective being to have staff transfer money into a 3rd party bank account. The attackers use a combination of research, using public sources such as websites and LinkedIn, and social engineering to create a customised email that individuals are far more likely to accept.
It should be noted that this is not a hack or something that can be blocked by technological means, but instead relies on human nature to succeed and must be prevented by awareness and education.
Most spear phishing is researched using social engineering and often by telephone. Be aware of any information about your organisation you are providing to unknown parties and how it may be used. An example might be a call from a company wanting to invite your head of finance to an event, and asking for their name and email address. If in doubt do not provide this information.
The following are signs you should look for that an email may be a phishing attack:
This is an important reminder to consider your insurance protection and whether you have an extension for Social Engineering Fraud.
Information is readily available from various government agencies and internet service providers to help you stay informed such as:
Toll free: 1800 245 123
P: (03) 9835 1300
F: (03) 9763 5932
info@abcountrywide.com.au
Level 2, 35 Dalmore Drive
Scoresby VIC 3179
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Or call Countrywide Advice on 1300 991 479.
By purchasing online:
• You are expected to self-manage your policy.
• There is no advice provided by Austbrokers Countrywide.
• You will need to manage your own claims directly with Austbrokers Life Solutions by calling 1300 161 635.
• If you need to make changes to the policy, you will need to contact Austbrokers Life Solutions on 1300 161 635.
By purchasing online:
• You are expected to self-manage your policy.
• There is no advice provided by Austbrokers Countrywide.
• You will need to manage your own claims directly with CHUBB by calling 1800 803 548.
• If you need to make changes to the policy, you will need to contact CHUBB on 1800 803 548.
By purchasing online:
• You are expected to self-manage your policy.
• There is no advice provided by Austbrokers Countrywide.
• You will need to manage your own claims directly with CGU by calling 1300 306 083.
• If you need to make changes to the policy, you will need to contact CGU on 1300 306 083.
By purchasing online:
• You are expected to self-manage your policy.
• There is no advice provided by Austbrokers Countrywide.
• You will need to manage your own claims directly with CGU by calling 1300 306 083.
• If you need to make changes to the policy, you will need to contact CGU on 1300 306 083.
By purchasing online:
• You are expected to self-manage your policy.
• There is no advice provided by Austbrokers Countrywide.
• You will need to manage your own claims directly with CGU by calling 1300 306 083.
• If you need to make changes to the policy, you will need to contact CGU on 1300 306 083.