Stay Safe from Pastejacking
UMe’s Guide to Protecting Your Data
At UMe, we’re dedicated to keeping our Burbank community secure and informed. We know that staying on top of online threats is essential to maintaining a healthy and happy financial future. One sneaky scam you should be aware of is called “pastejacking,” where cybercriminals trick you into running harmful commands on your computer. Here’s how to avoid falling victim so U can keep your personal data safe.
What Is Pastejacking? Pastejacking is a cyber-attack where scammers trick you into copying and pasting malicious code into a command-line tool, like PowerShell, on your computer. This attack usually starts with an email that seems urgent and legitimate, often disguised as an error message needing immediate attention. The email might ask you to update your DNS cache by copying a few lines of code. But here’s the catch: that code can install malware, giving scammers access to your data.
How to Protect Yourself:
Stay Alert: Legitimate Emails Won’t Ask You to Use PowerShell
PowerShell is a powerful tool typically used by IT professionals to manage systems, but it’s not something you’d normally need to use based on instructions from an email. If you receive an email asking you to run commands in PowerShell, it’s a big red flag.
Action: Report such emails to your IT team immediately or delete them. Legitimate companies or organizations will never ask you to open attachments using PowerShell or similar command-line tools.
Don’t Be Rushed: Scammers Thrive on Creating Urgency
Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to push you into making quick, unwise decisions. The email might claim that something terrible will happen if you don’t act immediately. This is a common tactic to get you to bypass your usual caution.
Action: Take a moment to breathe and think. Instead of rushing to follow the email’s instructions, verify the request with your organization or IT department.
Double-Check with the Pros: When in Doubt, Ask
If an email looks suspicious, even if it seems to come from someone you know, it’s always wise to check before you act.
Action: Contact your IT or security team and ask them to verify the legitimacy of the email and its attachment. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
TLDR: Here are three easy steps to protect yourself from pastejacking:
- Stay Cautious: Never run commands from an email, especially if it asks you to use PowerShell.
- Slow Down: Don’t let urgency push you into quick decisions; verify the source first.
- Consult Experts: When in doubt, ask your IT or security team before taking any action.
These simple steps can help you avoid falling victim to pastejacking and keep your data safe!
Why UMe Is Your Go-To Resource
UMe isn’t just about banking; we’re about being a true community resource for Burbank. From providing the latest financial education to helping you avoid scams, our team is here to ensure that you have the knowledge and tools you need to stay secure. We genuinely care about our members and their well-being because U Matter to Me, to all of us at UMe. Stay informed, stay safe, and know that we’re always here to help.
Disclaimer: U matter to Me (to all of us) at UMe — and that’s why we do our best to deliver helpful information on our blog. Please note the following: (1) UMe Credit Union works hard to make certain that the information we post here is as accurate as humanly possible. But as you know, information can change and evolve quickly. While we try to update the blog on a regular basis, the content of some older posts may not be correct or up-to-date. (2) Some destinations on the World Wide Web that we link you to will exist on external websites. UMe Credit Union does not officially endorse any connected sites, nor do/did we compensate or get compensated by any entities to be featured in our posts (unless otherwise noted). (3) Everyone’s situation is unique and we advise you to consult with our personal bankers or your finance, tax, or legal professional for advice individualized to you!