When cybercriminal obtain information from breaches, they may utilise these details for scams to try and steal personal data, which could lead to a serious compromise in security resulting in financial damage.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warns the public of the threat to their personal data following cyber attacks or breaches after 46%* of UK businesses reported incidents in the last year.
You may experience suspicious scams in the form of emails or texts that are the product of sophisticated phishing scams. Data stolen such as email addresses and phone details may give cybercriminals enough data to be able to build a very convincing phishing scam, posing as your bank or mobile provider.
An example is if people receive a message that includes a password they have used in the past, the recommendation is to change the password immediately to one that uses 3 random words.
You can spot these kind of scams by the following traits:
- official-sounding messages about ‘resetting passwords’, ‘receiving compensation’, ‘scanning devices’ or ‘missed deliveries’
- emails full of ‘tech speak’, designed to sound more convincing
- being urged to act immediately or within a limited timeframe
If you receive a message or phone call about a security breach that doesn’t feel right, here’s what to do:
- if you’ve received a suspicious email, forward it to the National Cyber Security Centre’s Suspicious Email Reporting Service at report@phishing.gov.uk
- if you’ve received a suspicious text message, forward it to 7726 (a free service)
- if you’ve received nuisance, suspicious or unwanted calls, hang up and contact your phone provider
- if you have been a victim of a sextortion scam, then report it to your local police force by calling 101