What’s happening

The tragic events in Christchurch last week are being used by scammers and attackers as an opportunity to perform targeted online cyber attacks against New Zealanders.

It is sometimes astonishing, even being in this industry, the levels to which some people will stoop.

But this is also an area of social engineering that is regrettably effective, because of the mood and circumstance all right-thinking people in and from New Zealand are currently in.

What to look out for

In particular, you should look out for:

  • phishing emails containing links to fake or fraudulent bank accounts where you can make donations, or
  • shared videos on compromised websites or on social media with malware embedded in them.

What to do

There are official channels to donate money to the victims of these tragic events. Anyone wishing to donate should use an official platform (such as https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/christchurch-shooting-victims-fund or https://www.redcross.org.nz/donate/) or a bank rather than using links in emails or on social media.

And beware of clicking links from sources which may be compromised.

Kia kaha.