CYBERSECURTIY TIP
Is this request really from the boss?
This is a very common scam you can easily fall for
Here’s a common scam: You get an e-mail from the boss (or your spouse, parents or other trusted person) asking you to send them a copy of employee pay stubs, tax information or other files with confidential data in them such as Social Security numbers in them, or they’re asking you to transfer or ACH payment to a vendor or a different bank account.
The problem: Even though it is coming from an e-mail address of someone you know and trust and it LOOKS legit, there’s a chance it could be a scam. Hackers can INTERCEPT e-mail messages and modify them.
If you ever get this kind of request, DOUBLE-CHECK by calling that person to confirm. And even if it turns out to be a legitimate request, you should NEVER send confidential information like Social Security numbers (or attachments with this information inside them) without taking precautions to password-protect and encrypt the message first.
PAYROLL WARNING: Heads up if you work in HR or process payroll – hackers are very interested in getting you to send employee payroll to the wrong bank accounts. Be on high alert for employees asking you to update their banking information. Make sure to confirm the change request by phone and DO NOT call any phone numbers in the e-mail that was sent to you.
Bottom line: Verbally confirm all requests involving money or sensitive data.
Have questions about cybersecurity or some other IT-related issues? Access our calendar here https://rts.sh/discovery to book a quick, 10-minute call.
