Natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires bring with them a wave of destruction, displacing communities, disrupting lives, and creating widespread confusion. Unfortunately, this chaos also presents an opportunity for cybercriminals to strike. Bad actors take advantage of the emotional, physical, and digital vulnerabilities that often arise during these crises, preying on victims who are more likely to let their guard down in the rush to seek information or assistance.
In the wake of a disaster, it is critical to stay alert not only to physical dangers but also to the hidden threats that lurk online. Cybercriminals often craft phishing emails, fraudulent social media messages, and malicious links that appear to be disaster-related, duping unsuspecting victims into revealing sensitive information, downloading malware, or falling for scams. Cybercriminals will often target small businesses that may be scrambling to resume operations and are less likely to be vigilant about cybersecurity in the wake of a disaster. This can add another layer of complexity while trying to limit business interruption.
How Cybercriminals Exploit Natural Disasters
During times of crisis, people seek information and support from trusted sources, whether it’s to learn about evacuation procedures, donate to relief efforts, or receive updates on power outages. Cybercriminals exploit this urgency and trust by masquerading as legitimate authorities or charities.
A common tactic used by these criminals is the creation of phishing emails. These emails may appear to come from official organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the Red Cross, featuring urgent subject lines such as “Hurricane Relief Effort” or “ALERT: Disaster Aid Required.” They may contain malicious attachments or hyperlinks that, when clicked, can install malware or ransomware on your device, giving the cybercriminal access to your data. Similarly, fraudulent social media messages and donation campaigns crop up, asking for contributions to fake disaster relief efforts.
How to Stay Safe
To protect yourself and your business from falling victim to cyberattacks during and after natural disasters, it’s essential to exercise caution and follow best practices for cybersecurity. Here are some key steps to take:
- Verify the Source: Before opening emails or clicking on links related to a disaster, take a moment to verify the legitimacy of the sender. If you receive an email claiming to be from a disaster relief organization, check the official website directly rather than clicking through the email. For hurricane-related guidance, only trust information from verified sources such as FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Ready.gov, or local officials.
- Be Wary of Social Media Scams: In addition to phishing emails, fraudulent social media messages and text messages are common. Be skeptical of any unsolicited messages asking for donations or providing links to disaster updates. Scammers can quickly create fake accounts or websites to mimic real organizations, so always double-check the authenticity of any relief efforts you plan to support.
- Avoid Malicious Attachments: Cybercriminals often embed malicious attachments in emails. Avoid opening any attachments in disaster-related emails unless you are absolutely sure of their legitimacy. When in doubt, contact the organization directly to confirm whether the email is authentic.
- Exercise Caution with Hyperlinks: Instead of clicking on a hyperlink in an email or text message, type the URL directly into your browser. This reduces the risk of being directed to a malicious site designed to steal your information.
- Consult Trusted Cybersecurity Resources: To stay informed and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to phishing attacks, consult trusted cybersecurity resources such as the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) guides on disaster-related scams and charity fraud, FEMA’s Disaster Fraud guidance, or the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Phishing Guidance.
Additional Support for Businesses and Individuals
For organizations, the chaos of a natural disaster presents unique challenges, particularly when trying to balance business continuity with cybersecurity. Taking proactive steps to safeguard your systems and employees is crucial. Cyber insurance providers, like Cowbell, offer additional support and resources to help businesses stay resilient against cyber threats during disasters. For Cowbell policyholders, you can consult Cowbell’s Cybersecurity Services Team for guidance, or if you believe you have been compromised, engage with the claims team immediately.
Conclusion
Cybercriminals thrive on chaos, and natural disasters present the perfect opportunity for them to strike. By staying vigilant, verifying sources, and consulting trusted resources, you can protect yourself and your business from falling victim to malicious cyber activity. As you focus on recovering from the physical impact of a disaster, don’t forget to safeguard your digital assets and personal information from the hidden threats lurking online.