COVID-19 RESPONSE
Helping To Keep Your Connection Safe And Secure
COVID-19 RESPONSE
Helping To Keep Your Connection Safe And Secure
Apr 23, 2020
Most of the U.S. is now under stay-at-home orders or advisories which means millions of us are working, learning and connecting from home more than ever. As use of technologies and applications like video conferencing, gaming, and streaming have dramatically increased, it is critically important that we all remain vigilant in protecting and securing the information we share on those platforms and with others. Cyber criminals are always looking for opportunities to gain access to private information, especially during these uncertain times.
Our team of security experts continues to work around the clock to monitor our network using a mix of highly sophisticated technologies, threat intelligence, and proprietary AI-powered software which help us to process hundreds of thousands of cyber events every second. We do this 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – and our teams remain vigilant and focused in our work to help keep our customers connection safe, secure and private.
Currently, global security agencies are seeing an influx in coronavirus-related schemes directed at individuals. While most of us know not to share our passwords or social security numbers online, cyber criminals are discovering new ways of gaining access to personal information.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you better spot and protect yourself from malicious cyber events:
Be wary of coronavirus-specific emails and websites
You may receive phishing emails that appear to come from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), health advisors, or even your own employer. New, potentially malicious coronavirus-related websites have been set up that claim to contain important information and updates. Be particularly suspicious of coronavirus maps, as they may prompt you to click on potentially risky links. Stop and think before you click!
Don’t share personal information
Most of us know not to provide sensitive personal information (e.g., social security number, password) in an email or on social media sites. However, you should be especially wary of “tests” or “fill in the blank” type of games on social media as you may be asked to reveal personal information that could be used to answer security questions you’ve set up. (e.g., high school mascot? mother’s maiden name?)
Scrutinize senders and trust your instincts
Check and verify the sender on emails and texts. Look out for slight variations in the spelling or format of the sender’s address and the email itself. If the email message feels a bit “off,” it probably is. If you don’t know the sender, don’t click on any links or open any attachments from them. If in doubt, do not reply; verify the sender and reach out through an alternative method.
Be wary of requests for “urgent action”
And be wary of requests or warnings that demand urgent action (e.g., “pay immediately or your account will be de-activated”).
Take steps to secure your home network
Set a strong password for both your WiFi home network and any smart device that connects to it. Do not keep your network or devices on the default settings and don’t use identifiable passwords like your name or address.
Protect yourself with extra layers of security
Comcast Internet customers have access to free security tools like multifactor authentication, and xFi Advanced Security which monitors and helps protect all of the devices connected to your xFi Gateway from online threats. When you use xFi Advanced Security, you will receive alerts about threats that were automatically blocked on your network and a daily list of digital security-related actions that were taken that day.
We know you rely on our products to keep you connected to the people, entertainment, and information you care about the most. It’s an important responsibility, now more than ever – and one we don’t take lightly. Working to keep your connection safe, secure, and private is one of the most important things we do, and we are grateful to the many people, communities, and businesses working together to help protect all of us and our families as we work to stay connected.
