Imagine this: a busy day at work or home, and suddenly, your phone rings. The caller claims to be from a trusted support company, offering to fix a problem. You’re told to click on a link or install support software to resolve an issue quickly. Sounds harmless, right?
But beneath the surface, these are often tactics used by cybercriminals in social engineering tricks designed to deceive unsuspecting individuals into granting remote access to their computers. Once they have control, attackers can install malicious software, steal personal information, or even drain bank accounts.
This was nearly the fate of a client from a finance company. They received a convincing call, and before anyone realized it, malware was silently being installed on their device. It could have led to severe financial loss and data compromise.
Luckily, our team was prepared. Thanks to advanced detection tools like Huntress, we spotted the suspicious activity early enough. We took immediate action isolating the device from the network, removing the malicious software, and restoring security before any harm could occur.
Understanding Phone Scams and Hidden Threats
Many older adults are targeted by scammers via phone calls, according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre. These attacks often involve pretending to be from a trusted company or support service, aiming to trick you into granting remote access or revealing personal details.
- Initial Contact:
- You receive a call from someone claiming to be a trusted technician or support staff.
- Allowing Remote Access:
- The scammer persuades you to click a link or run a support app, giving them control of your device.
- Installing Malicious Software:
- The attacker installs malware that captures your passwords, bank info, or other sensitive data.
- Monitoring & Data Capture:
- The scammer observes your activity or steals info directly, often without you realizing it.
- Potential Damage:
- Attackers can drain bank accounts, steal personal info, or spread malware within your network.
How We Helped Protect a client
- Immediate Detection:
- Thanks to Huntress, we spotted suspicious activity early.
- Quick Response:
- The infected device was immediately isolated to prevent further damage.
- Thorough Cleanup:
- We remove malicious files, restore system integrity, and educate the user on avoiding future scams.
Why It’s Important to Stay Vigilant
Research shows that around 60% of cyberattacks target people over 50, often via phone scams or phishing attempts. Many seniors are unaware of these tactics, making them easy targets. These attacks are hard to detect, but with the right tools and awareness, they can be stopped before any damage occurs.
Protect Your Family & Business
- Stay vigilant for unexpected calls requesting access or personal information. Cybercriminals often use phone calls to trick you into giving away sensitive data or granting remote access.
- Never click on suspicious links or install unknown software as a result of these calls.
- Use trusted security tools to monitor and safeguard your devices from unseen threats.
Partner with us to shield your family and business from these unseen threats. Our proactive security solutions, powered by Huntress, keep your data safe and give you peace of mind.
