Don’t Be Held Ransom | A Shady New Maneuver You Should Know About
There’s a new phishing technique in town, and hackers are having a blast with it.
Here’s how the latest shady maneuver is working:
Hackers are approaching people and telling them that they’ve hacked into their email and/ or computer and have found some sort of “dirt” on them. Then comes the threat to expose said “dirt” unless money is sent to the hacker’s Bitcoin Wallet.
DO NOT fall for this.
DO keep reading to learn how to identify these malicious phishing attempts and how to respond.
HOW TO IDENTIFY THIS SCAM
- The email will likely be made to look as though it is coming from you… as they need to convince you that they already have access to your account. They do not have access to your account. Look more closely and you’ll find that the email address they’ve used is nearly identical, but not actually yours.
- In the email, they will likely claim to be monitoring your online activity and/ or tapping into your camera or webcam.
- And lastly, they’ll threaten you.
HOW TO RESPOND TO THIS SCAM
- This should go without saying, but NEVER click on a link or send money to ANY links provided in these emails.
- Instead, click that little link in the upper left-hand corner of the Outlook email frame that says “Phish Alert” or delete the email.
If you feel the need for further refreshers from 14 West Information Security, click here to learn more about how you can keep you and your family safe from online scams.
Daisy Smith
Assistant Director, Communications
"Don’t take yourself too seriously.”
I found myself at 14 West after 18 months of traveling and teaching in Bali, Thailand, and Australia. And now 5 years later, I’ve learned and grown with my team in extraordinary ways. I think that’s due in large part to the fact that I’ve been encouraged to approach my work and explore my potential in the same ways I’ve explored other parts of the world. I’m constantly asking questions, seeing and doing new things. And learning A LOT. I didn’t expect to find an experience like this in “an office back home.”
I love my position at 14 West because I’m invited to take on a diverse range of responsibilities. From running our Wellness Program to brand development and brand marketing to writing, I have a broad range of interests. And my role allows me to develop my skills through work that truly excites me. I have a hard time saying no to new projects, even when I already have a full plate. But when I take on too much, the leaders here are there with the support I need to get the job done. At the same time, I’m given the creative freedom to feel real ownership over my projects, which only motivates me more.
What is one thing you have to do every day in the office? Gotta have my essential oil diffuser going. Five of us share an office and we’re all hooked on the diffuser now, but it’s my job to create the perfect oil cocktail each morning to set the tone for the day. I’m obsessed.
