Enjoy a cyber-safe Valentine’s Day

Satnam Narang, Senior Research Engineer, Tenable

“Various research have shown that cyber criminals often leverage certain calendar events such as Valentine’s Day and tax season to make a quick buck from their victims. When it comes to Valentine’s Day, any platform with social functionality presents an opportunity for scammers. So we urge users to stay vigilant online, not just on Valentine’s Day but any day of the year. While tactics might change to suit the platform being used, the scams, which are usually financially motivated, will be the same.”

“Tenable research found that scammers on popular platform TikTok are using fake profiles to trick unsuspecting users to sign up to adult dating websites or pay for fraudulent “premium” Snapchat accounts. On Instagram, recent porn bots are using benign images along with literary quotes to attract users’ attention and detract Instagram’s moderators. Instead of overtly promoting their intentions, the scammers are directly messaging users. Often users are more likely to engage via direct message than publicly, which can increase engagement. “

“To avoid falling prey to scammers, proceed with caution. If you’re asked to sign up for a website or service, you’re likely being used as a pawn to line a scammer’s pocket. If you’re asked to buy gifts or gift cards, or send money through peer-to-peer payment applications, be wary that you’re being conned.”