Keeping our members safe and protected matters to the New Jersey State Bar Association. We are constantly monitoring cyber security matters and the latest scams so we can help protect you.
In today's virtual working landscape, we are all especially vulnerable to falling for a text or email phishing scam. They often look so real they can be difficult to distinguish from trusted messages. The requests almost always ask you to do something like open an attachment you weren't expecting, update information on an account or confirm some kind of transaction. Typically, responding means either giving away personal information or allowing a virus to infect your computer.
Please keep in mind a few simple tips to stay safe:
Don't click on a link, open an attachment, respond either via email, text or phone to a message from someone you don't know or trust.
If you receive a suspicious-looking message from someone you do trust, consider reaching out to them separately to confirm they actually sent it to you.
Don't sign into an account from a link sent from such a message. Instead, go straight to a company's website or call them, once you verify the website or phone number separately.
The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell has released guidance, including tips on utilizing VPNs, personal versus organization-owned devices, conference call security and more. See all their tips here.