What’s Happening
The Israel Internet Association (IIA) has recently identified and warned of a scam wave targeting Israeli citizens through WhatsApp. Scammers posing as legitimate entities send messages under the guise of fake Facebook policy violations, leading users to fraudulent links designed to steal credit card details.
Why It Matters
WhatsApp’s widespread usage in Israel makes it a lucrative target for scammers aiming to exploit users unawares. Tackling this issue protects the personal and financial information of Israeli citizens and safeguards against broader cybersecurity threats.
Expert Insights
Yonatan Ben Hurin, head of the Safe Internet Assistance Line at the IIA, advises that fraudulent messages often originate from Finnish and Vietnamese area codes but can masquarade as Israeli or US numbers too. Vigilance against any unsolicited requests remains critical regardless of the number displayed.
Recommendations from Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD)
- Avoid clicking unfamiliar links, particularly from unknown social media sources.
- Regularly update all applications and operating systems to protect against security flaws.
- Maintain accountability by relying on confirmed sources and avoiding the dissemination of unverified information.
- Ignore dubious prompts for personal information, blocking and reporting such numbers on WhatsApp.
- Enhance home security measures by using strong, unique passwords for security devices and enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Exercise caution with alarming messages, verifying their authenticity before flying into panic.
The Bottom Line
Israel’s continuous vigilance and public awareness efforts significantly contribute to the country’s resilience against these cyber threats. Contact Israel National Cyber Directorate for reporting suspicions of cyber incidents and reinforcing personal cybersecurity habits. Let’s protect one another for a safer digital environment.
This story was first published on jpost.com.