Hurricane Helene is currently on a path towards the Florida coast, anticipated to make landfall as a Category 3 storm on the night of September 26th, as warned by the US National Hurricane Center. The looming threat of a 20-foot storm surge further exacerbates the potential damage and danger posed by this powerful hurricane.
Amidst the preparations and warnings for the approaching storm, another threat lurks in the shadows – cybercriminals looking to exploit the situation for their own gain. It is not uncommon for scammers to take advantage of natural disasters such as hurricanes to launch fraudulent schemes and phishing attacks. The heightened levels of interest and anxiety surrounding an impending disaster create the perfect breeding ground for these malicious actors to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
One common tactic employed by cyber scammers is the guise of charity appeals for donations. In the aftermath of a natural disaster, such as Hurricane Helene, fraudsters may impersonate legitimate charities or relief organizations to solicit funds from well-meaning donors. Additionally, fake notices from energy or phone providers regarding outages, as well as unsolicited offers of help from supposed “contractors,” who require upfront payment for services, are also prevalent scams used to exploit vulnerable individuals during times of crisis.
The array of fraudulent schemes is vast and ever-evolving, with cybercriminals constantly innovating new tactics to fool their targets. From business email compromise (BEC)-enabled attacks to social engineering fraud using legitimate organizations’ emails, the methods used by scammers are diverse and deceptive.
In response to the looming threat of cyber scams in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a warning on September 26th. CISA emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and cautious when handling emails, attachments, or hyperlinks related to the hurricane. Additionally, individuals are advised to exercise caution with social media posts, texts, or door-to-door solicitations purporting to offer assistance or information about severe weather events.
Staying alert and skeptical is key to protecting oneself against the onslaught of cyber scams that often accompany natural disasters like Hurricane Helene. By remaining vigilant and verifying the legitimacy of requests for donations or services, individuals can safeguard themselves from falling victim to malicious actors seeking to profit off of the chaos and vulnerability that often follow in the wake of a devastating storm.