Protecting Yourself from CrowdStrike Scammers in the Wake of the July Outage

The recent outage caused by a faulty CrowdStrike update on July 18 sent shockwaves through various industries. Millions of Windows devices were affected, disrupting operations in healthcare, aviation, and beyond. Unfortunately, as businesses and critical infrastructure struggled to recover, scammers saw an opportunity.

Cybercriminals are targeting individuals, businesses, and organizations affected by the outage. These opportunists often pretend to be tech support representatives or CrowdStrike employees to steal personal information. Additionally, fake websites are popping up with names like “CrowdStrikeFix” or “BlueScreenRecovery” promising quick fixes or cryptocurrency rewards – all scams.

Here are several suggestions to help protect your personal information:

• Beware of Unsolicited Communication: Be wary of emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from CrowdStrike or offering to fix the outage. Never click on suspicious links or attachments. Always verify communication directly with CrowdStrike – don’t use links within the message.
• Watch for Suspicious Money Transfers: This is a big red flag. Legitimate companies won’t ask you to wire money, use cryptocurrency, or provide gift card information. If someone requests this type of payment, it’s almost always a scam.
• Secure Your Information: Use strong, unique passwords and consider using a password manager. For additional security, enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam or cyberattack, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
• Stay Proactive and Secure: The CrowdStrike outage is a stark reminder that cybercriminals always seek opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities. By understanding the tactics used by these scammers and implementing strong cybersecurity practices, you can help significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to their schemes. Remember to stay informed, trust your instincts, and diligently protect your personal information.

Sources:

McAfee Security Blog
Consumer Affairs