The Eurovision Song Contest is just around the corner and the annual event draws people from all over the world to the host city! This year, it also seems to be drawing something else – cyber criminals.
Reports have surfaced that hotel providers set to host Eurovision travellers are being targeted by phishing emails. Businesses in the sector are being urged to ensure that information security management systems (ISMS) are in order. In addition, that recent reviews of procedures are in place for all personnel to help avoid any encounter of malicious activity.
What is a phishing attack?
A phishing attack is an attempt by cyber criminals to gain access to sensitive information like credit card numbers, passwords, or other personal information via email, texts, phone calls, or malicious websites. Attacks can lead to financial fraud and identity theft.
How can you spot phishing attacks?
There are several ways you can spot potential phishing attacks. Watch out for emails with poor grammar or misspelled words as these may be signs of a scammer trying to get your information.
Look for emails that come from unfamiliar addresses as these could be fake accounts designed to look legitimate but belong to scammers.
If you receive an email asking for personal information or money in exchange for goods or services, consider this a red flag and contact the sender directly using their legitimate contact information or website.
These are key areas that can all be covered by regular training with employees.
Cyber security measures to take
All businesses, not just those in the hospitality sector, need to make sure they’re taking the necessary steps to protect themselves from cyber criminals. Here are some tips on ways to prevent anything happening to your company:
- Keep up-to-date with the latest security news and alerts so that you know what threats are out there;
- Make sure any employees have proper cybersecurity training;
- Conduct periodic internal audits in order to identify any weaknesses in your information security systems;
- Auditing helps you stay on top of employee competency;
- Auditing will also help you to determine whether there are any gaps in your security policies helping you to spot potential issues early;
- Update all software regularly;
- Ensure two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled on all accounts;
- Encrypt data stored on devices;
- Check links before clicking;
- Be wary of suspicious emails;
- Monitor financial transactions regularly; and
- Make sure everyone in the company knows what measures should be taken if they suspect they have been targeted by a scammer or criminal online.
Implement training programs now to avoid issues
It’s worth remembering that a key requirement of ISO 27001 certification is that you have effective training programs in place for all employees who will be using your ISMS.
As indicated already, training initiatives must cover all aspects of the system, including how to use it effectively and how to comply with all policies and procedures to ensure that your company’s data stays safe.
Without sufficient training, your employees will not be able to use the system properly and could but your business at risk.
Protect against cyber criminals
Cyber criminals often take advantage of news and topical events in order to scam customers out of their money or personal information.
It’s essential that company’s take steps now to protect themselves against potential phishing attacks by following basic cybersecurity measures such as keeping employees trained on how to recognise scams, encrypting data stored on devices and monitoring financial transactions regularly.
By staying vigilant and informed about cybersecurity risks, organisations can ensure their safety against potential cyber-criminal activities moving forward!
Source: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/report/threat-report-10th-march-2023
