NC DIT reminds email users to eye electronic communications closely

Raleigh, N.C. – Malicious emails sent to the state of North Carolina increased more than 60 percent during the days leading up to the landfall of Hurricane Florence, State Chief Risk Officer Maria Thompson said Thursday. During the week of Sept. 8-14, the state saw significant increases in the number of spam and phishing emails, and in attempts to send viruses to the state’s network.

Cybercriminals often take advantage of natural disasters such as hurricanes to solicit personal information illegally and to take advantage of vulnerable infrastructures, disaster victims, and volunteers. People should remain skeptical about any email solicitations they receive at home or work, Thompson said.

“Criminals posing as volunteers or disaster relief agencies will try to cheat you during a disaster, and especially during relief efforts,” Thompson said. “Make sure you are donating to legitimate agencies if you choose to help. Don’t let your guard down.”

Taking the following steps will help stop cybercriminals:

• Carefully look at email and web addresses since cybercriminals will make them look as legitimate as possible, often using variations of spellings. The URL may have a different domain, such as .gov instead of .net.

• Do not click on links in emails from anyone unless you know and have verified the sender of the email.

• Take time to look at the sender’s email address. Do not click on any links until you are certain the organization is real. Check the organization’s website for its contact information and use sites such as www.charitynavigator.org to verify a charity organization.

• Make sure your all anti-virus software is up to date and that you have enacted the anti-phishing software provided by your email client.

Phishing emails and phone calls may also try to pose as official disaster aid organizations such as FEMA. A true FEMA representative will never ask for personal banking information, a Social Security number, or a registration number.

The Governor’s Office has activated the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to accept donations to support North Carolina’s response to Hurricane Florence. To donate, visit https://governor.nc.gov/ or text FLORENCE to 20222.