El Paso and Dayton Tragedy-Related Scams and Malware Campaigns

Original release date: August 6, 2019

In the wake of the recent shootings in El Paso, TX, and Dayton, OH, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) advises users to watch out for possible malicious cyber activity seeking to capitalize on these tragic events. Users should exercise caution in handling emails related to the shootings, even if they appear to originate from trusted sources. Fraudulent emails often contain links or attachments that direct users to phishing or malware-infected websites. Emails requesting donations from duplicitous charitable organizations are also common after tragic events. Be wary of fraudulent social media pleas, calls, texts, donation websites, and door-to-door solicitations relating to these events.

To avoid becoming a victim of malicious activity, users and administrators should consider taking the following preventive measures:

• Use caution when opening email attachments, and do not click on links in unsolicited email messages. Refer to CISA’s Tip on Using Caution with Email Attachments.
• Review CISA’s Tip on Staying Safe on Social Networking Sites.
• Refer to CISA’s Tip on Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks.
• Review the information from the Federal Trade Commission on Before Giving to a Charity.

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