Watch out for hackers using Queen Elizabeth II’s death for scams!

PHISHING attacks are on the rise and the authorities are already on the case. In the United Kingdom, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is warning internet users about the risks of phishing attacks and various scams during this period of mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Cybercriminals have been spotted encouraging, for example, people to book tickets for the lying-in-state, or even to buy queue-jump tickets, even though the event does not require a ticket and is free of charge.

Phishing is when criminals use emails or SMS to try to deceive their future victims. This often involves clicking on a link, which leads to a page that collects any data you enter or sometimes automatically installs malware on your device. The first reported attacks were particularly aimed at Microsoft customers.

Messages coming from unknown contacts about the Queen’s death should therefore be considered as suspicious. The golden rule is to never click on a suspicious link in an email, which may send you to a corrupted site. Similarly, you should never open unexpected attachments or attachments with an unknown format.

Cybercriminals often play on the emotions of internet users and do not hesitate to use major news events to deceive them. Earlier this year, this was also the case with the start of the war in Ukraine.

NST