As a business owner in New Zealand, navigating the digital world is essential—but it’s also fraught with risks. Scammers are constantly evolving, targeting individuals and businesses alike with increasingly sophisticated tactics. According to recent BNZ research, businesses are twice as likely to fall victim to scams than individuals. This blog will equip you with practical tips to safeguard your business from cyber threats.
Common Scams and How to Identify Them
1. Impersonation Scams
Fraudsters often pose as trusted entities like banks, police, or service providers to pressure you into transferring money or granting access to your devices. BNZ recently highlighted this as a prevalent scam affecting businesses in New Zealand.
Red Flags:
• Calls or messages claiming there’s an urgent issue with your account or computer.
• Requests to transfer money to “protect” it or assist with catching a scammer.
• Demands for remote access to your computer.
• Payment requests using gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Action Steps:
• Verify any claims by contacting the company directly using official contact details, not those provided by the caller.
• Never grant remote access to your computer unless you are certain of the request’s legitimacy.
• Hang up and report suspicious calls to Cert NZ or your bank immediately.
2. Phishing Scams
Scammers impersonate trusted organizations via email or text, tricking recipients into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information.
Signs of a Phishing Scam:
• Urgent requests for personal or financial details.
• Suspicious links or attachments.
• Unusual email addresses or generic greetings.
What You Can Do:
• Hover over links to check their destination.
• Report phishing emails to Cert NZ or suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM).
• Never log in to financial websites via email links—always type the URL directly.
3. Invoice Scams
Scammers hack into email accounts and alter payment details on invoices.
Warning Signs:
• Unexpected changes to payment account numbers.
• Emails with unusual tone or language.
Prevention Tips:
• Always verify payment changes directly with the supplier using known contact details.
• Be cautious of emails with inconsistent or overly formal communication styles.
4. Ransomware Attacks
Malicious software locks your files, demanding a ransom for access.
Prevention Measures:
• Keep software and antivirus programs up to date.
• Back up data regularly to secure locations.
• Train employees to recognise suspicious emails and attachments.
Top Tips for Staying Safe Online
1. Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
- Create long, unique passwords or passphrases for every account.
- Implement MFA for an additional layer of security.
2. Regularly Update Software and Devices:
- Enable automatic updates for operating systems and antivirus software.
- Remove unused programs and grant minimal user access.
3. Educate Your Team:
- Foster a culture of cyber awareness through training and open discussions.
- Provide resources such as BNZ’s Get Scam Savvy Toolkit and CERT NZ guidelines.
4. Be Sceptical of Unsolicited Requests:
Question unexpected emails, calls, or messages asking for financial or personal information.
- If in doubt, verify the source independently before taking action.
5. Report Scams Promptly:
- Contact Cert NZ for cybersecurity issues or the Department of Internal Affairs for spam messages.
- Notify your bank and the police if financial information has been compromised.
Why It Matters
Falling victim to a scam can have devastating financial and reputational consequences for your business. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can significantly reduce your risk. Remember, cyber security is not a one-time effort but an ongoing priority.
For more resources and up-to-date scam alerts, visit Get Scam Savvy and CERT NZ.
Stay one step ahead of scammers—your business, customers, and reputation depend on it.
