Australia’s National Anti-Scam Centre, run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a warning to consumers and small businesses to be wary of unsolicited calls, emails or messages requesting they download a software patch or provide remote access to fix or protect their computer from the CrowdStrike/Microsoft outage.
The global IT outage on Thursday and Friday, which affected many financial institutions including the operation of FX and CFD brokers – alongside airlines and airports, hospitals, government offices and businesses worldwide – was caused by a defect in an update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike for computers running the Windows operating system.
The ACCC said that downloading unsolicited software can give scammers access to your computer, including your bank accounts.
Consumers should also be alert to unsolicited requests from individuals claiming to be from their financial institutions or other businesses requesting they update or verify their personal or financial information due to the CrowdStrike/Microsoft outage.
ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said,
“Criminals look to take advantage of incidents like this CrowdStrike outage, creating a sense of urgency that you need to do what they say to protect your computer and your financial information.
“Anyone can be scammed, so it is important to be wary of any unsolicited contact that purports to provide assistance in the aftermath of a major event like this.”
The ACCC said that consumers and businesses should:
- STOP – don’t be rushed into downloading software or providing personal or financial information.
- CHECK – verify who you are talking to – call your IT support or financial institution on a number you have sourced independently.
- PROTECT – Act quickly – if you have provided access or information contact your bank immediately and report to scamwatch.gov.au to help protect others.
