Malicious actors are into various ways to make sure they have your sensitive personal data. And if you’re are not handing it to them, they’ll trick you through various ways until you sabotage your security and privacy. Besides phishing (email scams), the other common tricks malicious actors use to get your data is through tech support scams.
The devices you use, software and even tech services sometimes breakdown and you might require technical assistance from the vendor or manufacturers. Cybercriminals exploit this want of assistance to get your sensitive data in what is called tech support scams.
Tech support scams rely on scare tactics; malicious actors will trick you into believing there’s a problem with your system and it needs fixing. The most common scare tactic is that your device has been infected by malware and that their services can remove it swiftly. Below are major types of tech support scams and how to protect yourself;
- Web scams and pop up warnings
This can be termed as the most common tech support scam that you may encounter when surfing the internet. While browsing on some sites, you might click on the website, and you will be taken to another website with an alert page saying that your device has been infected with malware. There’s usually a call to action button “click here to remove malware.”
A veces, puede aparecer una ventana emergente indicando que su dispositivo ha sido infectado y un botón que dice haga clic aquí para limpiar su dispositivo. Otras estafas web sofisticadas utilizan JavaScript persistente intrusivo (lenguaje de programación de Internet) en el que no podrá cerrar la ventana emergente o de alerta. Esto le hará creer con seguridad que su dispositivo ha sido infectado.
Si hace clic en el botón de llamada a la acción, es posible que se le pida que descargue un archivo que permitirá a los supuestos "técnicos" acceder a su dispositivo. Otras estafas ofrecen un número de teléfono gratuito para llamar a los técnicos.
- Estafas telefónicas
En este tipo de estafa de soporte técnico, tanto usted como los actores maliciosos pueden iniciar la estafa. En su caso, parte de la estafa por Internet y usted llama a los supuestos "técnicos" para que eliminen el malware de su dispositivo.
On the other hand, malicious actors can call you and claim they are tech support from maybe your antivirus company. They may then convince you that there’s a new malware doing rounds and that the antivirus update is rolling out slowly and you might have been infected. To ensure that your device is safe from the malware, they offer you a quick way to protect or scan your system to get rid of the malware. This continues for a long time until they convince you to install some software that gives them remote access to your device.
Con acceso total, los actores maliciosos pueden robar toda la información sensible e incluso instalar malware y cobrarte por eliminarlo.
- Anuncios y listados maliciosos en línea
Como ya se ha mencionado, muchas personas necesitan ayuda cuando sus dispositivos, software y servicios se averían. Y cuando surge un problema, lo primero que se hace es buscar la solución en Internet. Los estafadores se han dado cuenta de ello y han creado anuncios y sitios web para ofrecer "asistencia". Las víctimas desprevenidas hacen clic en los anuncios y acaban llamando a los estafadores para pedir ayuda.
Cómo protegerse de las estafas al servicio técnico
Scammers are always after your data. The best way to protect against them is by taking care of your online privacy – not sharing your personally identifying information. Here are some tips to protect against tech support scams;
- Evite hacer clic en los anuncios emergentes
Some pop ads are legitimate such as the ones on legitimate sites. But if an ad is prompting you to call or sign up for a service to remove malware from your device, never click on it. Close the browser tab or the entire browser. If you happen to click on them, remember never to share your details including your credit cards.
- Verificar la llamada al servicio técnico
Legitimate tech support companies don’t just call out of the blues. So if you get the call claiming it’s from your antivirus support, tell them to hold, take this time to verify the number. Most products have their assistance number on the official website or the product packaging.
- No facilite nunca el acceso remoto a terceros
Si te dicen que descargues algún software para darles acceso a tu ordenador, detente ahí mismo. A menos que haya verificado, es el apoyo legítimo.
Always use a VPN – IPBurger VPN
A VPN protects you against most common privacy and security threats when you are surfing the internet. With strong encryptions, cybercriminals won’t get access to your internet traffic.
