Security News > 2021 > October > Tech support scams becoming the top phishing threat to consumers

The latest findings show tech support scams, which often arrive as a pop-up alert convincingly disguised using the names and branding of major tech companies, have become the top phishing threat to consumers.

Tech support scams are expected to proliferate in the upcoming holiday season, as well as shopping and charity-related phishing attacks.

More than 12.3 million tech support URLs were blocked, which topped the list of phishing threats for 13 consecutive weeks between July and September.

"Tech support scams are effective because they prey on consumers' fear, uncertainty and doubt to trick recipients into believing they face a dire cybersecurity threat," says Darren Shou, head of technology, NortonLifeLock.

"Awareness is the best defense against these targeted attacks. Never call a number listed on a tech support pop-up, and instead reach out to the company directly through their official website to validate the situation and next steps."

While this type of targeted attack is usually associated with large organizations, people belonging to special interest groups, dissidents or individuals with influential jobs may also be subject to similar attacks, and general consumers should stay vigilant against phishing campaigns and infected webpages.

News URL

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HelpNetSecurity/~3/F70SY3Tgc8s/