A report by the Computer Security Incident Response Team shows an increasing number of security incidents. In 2021, more than 29,000 were recorded. The scale of transactions in which funds were stolen also increased in that time period.
The data for 2021 clearly shows that phishing was the most common type of cyber attack, accounting for 73 percent of all reported incidents. This mainly involves phishing for online banking login details and payment card details. It also involves obtaining social media login details.
Forecasts from various organisations do not herald an improvement in the situation in the near future. This may be evidenced by – the growth of the e-commerce market, the growing interest in the use of online and mobile banking and the increasing number of cashless transactions.
It is therefore advisable to keep the basic security principles in mind also while on holiday. For example, do not give out PIN numbers and card details, SMS authorisation codes or BLIK codes to third parties.
Recently, the most common method used by fraudsters is the „bank employee” method. The aim is for the culprits to gain access to a bank account and the funds available there. Typically, the fraudster calls the person concerned, claiming to be a bank consultant, and informs them of alarming money transfers. In order to prevent the alleged theft of money, the fraudulent 'consultant’ instructs the person to install an application that allows him or her to perform actions remotely, e.g. on the caller’s computer. This way, the fraudster takes control of the victim’s assets.
In this context, let us recall that: „When contacting a customer, the bank never requires the full card number, online banking login details, authorisation codes or BLIK codes. It also does not require the installation of unknown applications on mobile devices, including those used to connect a remote desktop, i.e. AnyDesk, QuickSupport, TeamViewer”.
