The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has launched an interactive quiz to help people spot phishing scams and “stay off the hook”.
The initiative comes as a result of a significant increase in the reporting of COVID-19-themed phishing scams.
Head of the ACSC, Abigail Bradshaw said phishing and spear-phishing were methods of stealing confidential information by sending fraudulent messages to a victim, through email or message platforms.
“They remain among the most common method used by malicious cyber actors to target Australians,” Ms Bradshaw said.
“While phishing messages are commonly sent out in their thousands, spear-phishing campaigns are typically aimed at a particular group of recipients,” she said.
“Since the pandemic’s outbreak, the Government’s Scamwatch has received over 3,060 Coronavirus-themed scam reports with over $1,371,000 in reported losses.”
She said the ACSC’s Stay Smart Online program had launched the interactive phishing quiz to help people spot a malicious email or SMS message.
“Phishing campaigns can be sent via email, SMS, social media, Instant Messenger or a phone call,” Ms Bradshaw said.
“They can look extremely convincing, often imitating legitimate messages from trusted senders in Government or business.
“The ACSC has observed numerous phishing emails that feature official logos and branding, together with the same font and layout as the organisation they pretend to come from.”
She said identifying the messages as fakes could be difficult as cyber-criminals went to great lengths to make them appear genuine.
The ACSC’s new quiz can be accessed at this PS News link.
