In today’s digital age, hackers often rely on users to do their dirty work for them. Instead of exploiting a technical flaw in a security system, hackers more commonly trick users into clicking on a malicious link or attachment. In fact, only 3% of malware deployed by hackers targets a system’s technical weakness1.
The current hacking method of choice uses people as the gateway for stealing sensitive information. In addition to email, hackers use other channels to contact victims:
n Smishing. Hackers send malicious text messages to your cell phone.
n Vishing. Hackers call you directly or leave a voicemail.
Hackers also use the following methods to lure you into giving up personal information:
n Contact you using familiar details to gain your trust, such as your full name or personal contacts.
n Impersonate a familiar, credible organization, such as your bank or security software company.
n Appeal to your sense of fear, excitement, or urgency to command immediate attention (e.g., a prize announcement or request to confirm recent credit card charges).
If you believe a hacker has targeted you on your USPS® equipment, do not attempt to fix the situation yourself. Instead, report it immediately to the CyberSecurity Operations Center (CSOC) at cybersafe@usps.gov.
For more information on how to stay cybersafe, check out the CyberSafe at USPS® websites on Blue (blue.usps.gov/cyber/) and LiteBlue (liteblue.usps.gov/cyber/), or the public-facing website at uspscybersafe.com.
— Corporate Information Security Office,
Chief Information Security Officer
and Digital Solutions, 8-17-17
