Hi Guys,
As you know from reading my recent postings, phishing and social engineering are two of the most common tactics used by cyber criminals to gain access to personal data and sensitive information. Here is another example as written about by Secureworks.
In the recent incident involving the fake persona Sara Shokouhi, hackers used recycled photos of a Russian psychologist and tarot card reader to pose as a legitimate researcher. They then reached out to Iran-focused researchers, asking if they were interested in contributing to an upcoming report together with a researcher who possesses a genuine Atlantic Council affiliation. The hackers used this tactic to build credibility with their targets before sending them phishing links via DM, which could have led to successful phishing attacks.
Anyone contacting this fake account put themselves, their data and even their colleagues at risk.
It is essential to verify the authenticity of the person you are communicating with, especially when they are asking for sensitive information. Here are a few tips on how to check the person’s authenticity:
- Check their social media presence: Check the person’s social media accounts and verify their credentials. Look for any discrepancies in their bio and the information they provide.
- Verify their identity: Ask the person to provide a government-issued ID or other valid documents to verify their identity.
- Contact our privacy care team: If you need clarification on the authenticity of the person you are speaking to, use the contact us section in the Incognito app. Our experts will be able to advise you on how to proceed.
In conclusion, it is crucial to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when communicating with someone online. Always verify the person’s authenticity and be cautious while sharing sensitive information. Stay safe and protected from cyber threats.
Let us know if you need anything at all. We are here to serve.
All the best,
Max Roberts,
Incognito Privacy Care Team