Police stated there has been a high increase in cyberattacks aimed at government bodies.
Police wrote on their website that among the matters their Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC) monitors, they have noticed there are dangerous scam emails being sent to government administrations and institutions.
Police have appealed to government institutions and to the public to pay special attention.
According to the police, the emails being sent are designed to look like they are valid emails from trusted official administrations or known parties upon first glance. The source of the attacks include dangerous links and files as official invitations, documents or file-share links.
If someone enters said links or opens the files, there is a chance the hackers can get sensitive information such as usernames and passwords and because of that, police said it may allow hackers to enter administration computer systems and networks without permission and compromise the systems.
Police speculate that this is a planned campaign with a specific aim in mind. CSOC is closely monitoring these activities, sharing information for protection against these attacks, and are working together with relevant government administrations to block dangerous websites and networks, said the police.
Police also said an investigation into the matter and technical analysis is currently underway.
Matters to pay attention to
- To not open links and attachments in email without verifying its safety.
- Even if the email is sent by a known individual or trusted administration upon first glance, if the email requests something out of the ordinary, use call the administration or individual and confirm whether it is a legitimate email.
- To not input emails and passwords into a page that opens upon clicking a link in an email.
- To use multi-factor authentication for emails and official accounts.
- To always update computer operating systems and applications being used.
- If a suspicious email is received, to quickly report it to the office's IT or security team.
- If a suspicious file or link is opened, immediately disconnect from the computer network and seek help from IT instead of trying to solve the issue yourself.
As per the police, the first step to take in defending against such attacks is for the public to pay attention and to be aware. Paying attention to such security steps is the most important step in defending oneself against cyberattacks, and that their Cyber Portal has the relevant technical information, police said.
