Four Cybercrime Trends that every South African must be aware of

Cybercrime is making headlines again after the recent TransUnion data breach affected 3-million consumers and 600 000 businesses. Not all cybercrimes make the news however, which means the truth about what’s really happening is actually a far bigger problem.

According to Mimecast’s “State of Email Security", they report that 92% of South African businesses have experienced some form of impersonation fraud, or Business Email Compromise, over the past year.

As hybrid and remote working conditions are on the rise, companies’ IT & Security teams need to question all protocols that are in place and train employees continuously. The introduction of Government’s Cybercrimes Act and POPI Act (POPIA) are steps in the right direction, but the onus is ultimately on companies to ramp up their cyber security and implement disaster management protocols. According to Arthur Goldstuck from World Wide Worx only 40% of large businesses implement multiple security solutions to protect, back up and recover data.

If you thought cybercrime is just for businesses to worry about – think again! You and the company you work for are both targets. Cybercrime has become a very lucrative business for cybercriminals, which is why their attacks are becoming more sophisticated and targeted, and it seems as though they are definitely picking up the pace.

4 Cybercrimes that are currently making the rounds:

1. Travellers are hot pickings

Whether you are travelling for work or pleasure (locally or abroad) – be cautious. Cybercriminals are targeting travellers because they realise these individuals aren’t familiar with their location and have to carry a lot of personal data and documents with them. Do your planning properly and never leave any item of yours unattended.

2. Mobile attacks are on the rise

Mobile phones and devices are no longer just for communication purposes anymore. We use them to manage our lives, create and send work files, make online purchases, and even do our banking. The use of mobile wallets is becoming very popular and people are now using their phones to store important documents and data, thus making this device an attractive target. Create strong passwords with two-factor authentication to protect yourself.

3. Social Media is helping cybercriminals craft better attacks

What you share on social media could help cybercriminals better craft their personal attack against you. Regularly check and reset your Privacy Settings on all your social platforms and be restrictive about what you share in general.

4. Cybercriminals are using Deepfake Technology

Deepfake technology is technology that uses artificial intelligence to manipulate images, video, and audio, to make it look and sound like someone is doing or saying something they are not. This technology is helping cyber criminals take their phishing attack (email attacks) to the next level. They are also making use of this technology to clone websites, conduct vishing attacks (voice call attacks) and create fake news.

Deepfake technology, although quite new in South Africa is an incredible threat to both businesses and consumers. Challenge phrases on suspicious sounding calls, follow-up emails and calls and double-check everything if anything happens that feels out of the ordinary.

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