Urgent: Impersonation Scams on the Rise—Stay Vigilant Against Identity Theft

Identity theft through impersonation has become a growing threat, warns cybersecurity expert David Sancho. In a recent media session on Cybersecurity Risk Management, Sancho emphasized the importance of staying alert to scammers who steal personal information to deceive unsuspecting individuals. For the average person, this form of cybercrime is particularly concerning because it often leads to financial fraud and emotional distress.

Sancho, a Senior Threat Researcher with over 25 years of experience in the security field, explained that impersonation scams often target regular users in their homes. “If I am an end-user, a family person who has a computer at home, I’d be a lot more concerned about scammers stealing my information to impersonate me or trick me into a scam,” he said. One common tactic involves fraudsters pretending to be relatives, calling or messaging their victims in distress and asking for money.

This type of scam is particularly insidious because it preys on trust and urgency. Virtual kidnapping, where scammers claim that a loved one is in danger and demand a ransom, is another example of how cybercriminals exploit emotions to carry out their schemes. Sancho’s warning comes at a time when impersonation and identity theft are increasingly used in digital attacks aimed at both individuals and businesses.

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) reported a drop in online scams earlier this year, with 624 cases recorded in January compared to 1,045 in the same month in 2023. While this decrease is encouraging, it does not diminish the ongoing threat of identity theft. As online fraud continues to evolve, scammers are constantly finding new ways to exploit personal data.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has recognized the growing importance of cybersecurity, adopting a six-year national plan in April aimed at strengthening the country’s cyber resilience. However, even with government measures in place, individuals must take proactive steps to protect their personal information from theft and misuse.

Directpath Global Technologies (DGT) understands the complexities of modern cyber threats. As a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), DGT offers comprehensive solutions like Mobile Threat Defense (MTD), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), and Vulnerability Risk Management as a Service (VRMaaS). We also provide Virtual CISO (vCISO) services to help organizations develop robust cybersecurity strategies that extend beyond technical solutions and address the human factor, which is often the weakest link in cybersecurity.

With advanced AI capabilities, DGT tailors its services to the specific needs of businesses and individuals alike, helping them stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats like identity theft and impersonation scams. Protecting your data is not just about technology; it’s about fostering a culture of security awareness that empowers individuals to recognize and prevent these scams.

As cybercriminals continue to target personal and corporate information, it’s critical to remain vigilant and proactive. Whether you’re safeguarding your own data or protecting your organization, a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity is essential in today’s digital landscape. Source: Inquirer Net