The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has recently conducted analysis into the latest crime reports revealing that the hospitality sector is being increasingly targeted by criminals impersonating IT providers.
Fraudsters are typically calling hotels and restaurants impersonating a representative of the company that provides their booking system. The criminals then attempt to convince employees to reveal their login details under the guise that this is required in order to complete an important software installation.
Once the attacker gains access to a business’ computer system they can steal any customer data including names, contact details and addresses. This is then used to create targeted phishing scams that are highly convincing for the end user.
Remain vigilant! Below are some simple steps to help protect your business against online crime:
- Ensure that your business accounts are protected using 2 factor authentication (2FA). This will help to prevent unauthorised access to your computer systems even if an attacker knows an employee’s login details. The NEBRC can help you implement this.
- Employees who communicate with your suppliers should be informed of what types of information a supplier will and won’t ask for. For example, a supplier will never ask for an employee’s password. Staff should be encouraged to speak with a supervisor if they’ve received a request they’re unsure about.
- If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber-attack (in progress), please call 0300 123 2040 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also report online at actionfraud.police.uk.
- For more advice on how to improve your business’ cyber security in an affordable and practical way, please see the National Cyber Security Centre’s Small Business Guide.
- For further guidance please contact [email protected]
The NEBRC is a police led non-profit organisation that seeks to educate, inform, and support businesses across the UK on how to protect their business online through good cyber security practices.
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