As technology advances, cyber-criminals have become more and more sophisticated in being able to disguise themselves as  innocent-looking, plain emails. Their goal? to ensure that as many unsuspecting staff members are clicking into their malicious e-mail links.

The current email scam currently circulating in Australia and is effecting people nation-wide is the Optus email scam. How does the scam work?  cyber-criminals will send their victims an email impersonating Optus, this email will ask them if they want to download a PDF copy of their invoice. Once clicked, the victims computer will be infected by a malicious file that be used to preform varies functions such as stealing, encrypting or deleting sensitive data, hijacking core computing functions and monitoring a user’s computer activity without their permission. These emails are being sent using domain “optusnet.com.au”. 

HOW DO WE AVOID SCAMS? 

1. CONFIRM LEGITIMACY –  Don’t reply or open links found in a suspicious email until you are sure they are legitimate. This can be done by calling the organisation to check if it is official. 

2. BE CAUTIOUS - If you do click the link and are taken to the login page, please take an extra moment to stop and consider what you’re handing over. 

3. REPORT SCAM - Report the scam to the organisation and ScamWatch.

4. THREAT PROTECTION ADD-ON -  For as little as a cup of coffee a month/per user. Our add-on service will be able to provide an extra layer of protection by protecting staff from unsafe attachments and malicious links.  For more information, please email info@equipt.com.au.

5. STAFF TRAINING – Train your staff to ensure they are aware of the existence of these type of scams and how to deal with it. For staff training assistance sessions, please email info@equipt.com.au

Click on  impersonating optus scam e-mail below**