Question:

How to assess and mitigate the risk of a remote access scam?

I received a phone call from someone who claimed to be from my internet service provider and asked me to grant them remote access to my laptop via TeamViewer. I complied, but became suspicious when my screen went black for several minutes and ended the session. I am concerned that they may have installed malware or stolen my personal data. I have already backed up my files and performed a factory reset, but I am not sure if that is enough to protect myself. What are the best practices to deal with this kind of situation?

Answer:

Remote access scams are a common type of cybercrime, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate organizations or individuals and trick unsuspecting victims into giving them access to their computers or devices. The scammers may then install malware, steal personal or financial information, or demand ransom for restoring the device’s functionality.

If you have fallen victim to a remote access scam, you may be wondering what to do next. Here are some steps you can take to assess and mitigate the risk of further damage:

• Disconnect your device from the internet. This will prevent the scammers from accessing your device remotely or transmitting any data from it. You can do this by unplugging the ethernet cable, turning off the Wi-Fi, or switching to airplane mode.
• Scan your device for malware. Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan your device for any malicious programs or files that the scammers may have installed. If you find any, delete them or quarantine them. You may also need to update your security software or download a new one if the scammers have tampered with it.
• Change your passwords. The scammers may have accessed or recorded your passwords for your online accounts, such as email, social media, banking, or shopping. You should change your passwords for all these accounts as soon as possible, using strong and unique passwords for each one. You should also enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available, which adds an extra layer of security to your login process.
• Monitor your accounts and credit reports. The scammers may have stolen your personal or financial information, such as your name, address, date of birth, credit card numbers, or bank account details. You should check your accounts and credit reports regularly for any suspicious or unauthorized activity, such as transactions, purchases, or applications. If you notice any, report them to your bank, credit card company, or the relevant authorities. You may also need to freeze your credit or place a fraud alert on your credit file to prevent identity theft.
• Report the scam. You should report the scam to the appropriate agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) in Australia, or the Action Fraud in the UK. You should also warn your friends, family, and contacts about the scam and advise them not to respond to any similar calls or messages.
• Educate yourself and others. The best way to prevent remote access scams is to be aware of the signs and tactics of the scammers and to avoid falling for their tricks. You should never give out your personal or financial information or grant remote access to your device to anyone who contacts you unsolicited, no matter how convincing they sound. You should also verify the identity and legitimacy of the caller or sender by contacting the organization or individual directly using a trusted source, such as their official website or phone number. You should also keep your device and security software updated and use a firewall and a VPN to protect your online activity.

Remote

access scams can be stressful and costly, but by following these steps, you can minimize the impact and protect yourself and others from future attacks. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.