[Boca Raton, FL] – October 2024 – As Florida begins its recovery from Hurricane Milton, Blue Light IT is urging individuals and businesses to remain alert for cyber threats, scams, and frauds that often follow in the wake of natural disasters. Hurricane Milton, now recorded as one of the strongest storms to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is expected to leave both physical and digital vulnerabilities in its path.
“We’ve seen this time and time again after major storms,” said Amir Sachs, CEO of Blue Light IT. “Cybercriminals seize the chaos of the aftermath to exploit those affected and those wanting to help. It’s crucial that everyone remains alert and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their businesses during this time.”
Historically, cybercriminals have capitalized on the confusion and urgency that follow hurricanes. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, over 4,000, mostly fraudulent, websites were set up, posing as legitimate charities or relief organizations. Similarly, after Hurricane Harvey in 2017, phishing attacks surged as hackers impersonated agencies like FEMA and the Red Cross, sending emails designed to steal personal information or install malware. These scams specifically prey on individuals and businesses who may be desperate for assistance or eager to donate to relief efforts.
Additionally, businesses that are attempting to recover operations are frequently targeted with ransomware and other attacks due to their weakened cybersecurity defenses during recovery. Following hurricanes like Sandy and Harvey, reports surfaced of ransomware locking up critical systems in businesses that were already struggling to restore normal operations.
The key threats to be aware of are:
Phishing Emails: Fraudsters commonly send phishing emails pretending to be from trusted agencies, offering assistance or asking for personal information to claim relief funds. These emails may contain links or attachments that can install malicious software on your devices, leading to identity theft or financial loss. Verify all correspondence by contacting the organization directly before providing any information.
Fake Charity Websites: After past hurricanes, there has been a surge in fraudulent websites pretending to raise funds for victims. Always ensure you are donating through legitimate organizations by visiting their verified websites directly. Look out for suspicious domain names or urgent calls for donations through unconventional means like cryptocurrency.
Business Vulnerabilities: Companies working to restore operations after a disaster are often prime targets for ransomware attacks. Hackers know that businesses are more vulnerable due to strained IT resources, making it easier to breach systems or lock critical data. This was particularly evident after Hurricane Sandy, where businesses faced not only physical recovery but also the crippling impact of cyberattacks.
Identity Theft and Financial Fraud: Victims of natural disasters may be targeted by scammers pretending to offer financial aid or disaster recovery services. These scams often request Social Security numbers, banking details, or other personal information that can be used to commit identity theft.
Do these things to protect yourself and your business:
Verify Before Donating: Always donate through well-known organizations like the Red Cross or UNICEF. If in doubt, use a charity verification tool such as Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance to confirm the legitimacy of an organization.
Be Wary of Suspicious Emails and Links: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unsolicited emails, even if they appear to be from official agencies. Contact the organization directly through verified contact information to confirm any offers of assistance. Secure remote work: With increased remote work during recovery, ensure employees are using secure networks and devices. Use virtual private networks (VPNs) and update antivirus software to safeguard against potential cyber threats when accessing company systems.
Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial activities for suspicious transactions. Cybercriminals may attempt to use stolen information during recovery efforts, so it’s important to stay vigilant
About Blue Light IT
Blue Light IT is a leading provider of IT and cybersecurity services, specializing in building cyber-resilient infrastructures for businesses. With a security-first approach, we offer solutions that protect businesses from cyber threats, helping them to recover quickly and securely after disasters. Our mission is to ensure the continuity and security of our clients’ operations, even in the most challenging circumstances.
For more information on how to protect against post-disaster cyber threats, contact Blue Light IT on 561-282-2225 / [email protected]