End User Beware: GDPR Phishing Scams Ahead

Those pesky cyber criminals are at it again with their cyber attack schemes! Due to the impending implementation of the new European privacy legislation, businesses have been sending out emails to the masses to update users giving cyber criminals a prime opportunity to exploit attempts at early compliance with the new law. And while you may be thinking US businesses shouldn't have to worry, you're wrong.

The European Union's new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) takes effect on May 25. This regulation has been put in place to allow European consumers to have more control over their online data. Sounds harmless, right? Wrong. Cyber criminals saw this as their opportunity to wreak havoc with phishing attacks.

Phishing Scams and GDPR Go Hand in Hand

This will affect all users in the EU and any business outside the EU that handles data that may involve EU citizens. Organizations are sending out emails to the masses to gain people's consent for staying on their mailing lists. With all these emails going around, cyber criminals are using this as a chance to creep into inboxes and send phishing messages.

Most recently, there was a GDPR- related phishing scam of criminals trying to steal data with emails claiming to be from Airbnb. The email scam has the cyber criminals posing as Airbnb hosts and asks the prospective guest to accept the company's new privacy policy before they may use their services again. If the recipients of the email scam click on the links, they are asked to enter personal and financial information. If entered, this information is then passed into the hands of cyber criminals.

Cyber security experts are saying that phishing scams like this will become more and more popular as the GDPR implementation draws closer. More than ever, it's important to be cautious about what you are clicking on.

Don't Fall Victim to a Phishing Scam

At SumnerOne, we want to do our part in helping you stay safe online. Should you receive any emails that look a little suspicious, remember that it is always best to be critical. Being a critical consumer is a great way to keep yourself and your business safe online. Please feel free to download our Critical Consumer Cheat Sheet complete with tips and reminders on how to spot a phishing attack. For more information about the different services and solutions SumnerOne can offer your business, contact us.

Originally published May 7, 2018, updated April 18, 2019