A familiar yet often underestimated threat looms over businesses and individuals alike: W-2 and 1099 scams. These scams, designed to steal personal and financial information, can have devastating consequences. As IT leaders and advisors to our clients, it's our responsibility to not only provide the tools but also the understanding necessary to navigate.
This is your opportunity to educate your clients on risk and lead them through their biggest Q1 security concerns.
W-2 and 1099 scams typically involve the fraudulent solicitation of these forms, which contain sensitive information like Social Security numbers and income details. Cybercriminals use various tactics, such as phishing emails, posing as legitimate requests from company executives or financial institutions. These emails are often crafted with a sense of urgency, prompting unsuspecting employees to act quickly and bypass normal security procedures.
To effectively warn our clients, we must first educate them about the red flags:
- Unusual Requests: Be wary of emails requesting W-2 or 1099 forms, especially if they come from high-ranking company officials but display unusual email addresses or language.
- Urgency and Secrecy: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, asking for immediate action or stressing the confidentiality of the request.
- Suspicious Email Attributes: Look for discrepancies in email addresses, domain names, and spelling errors. Legitimate requests usually follow standard company protocols and formats.
- Links and Attachments: Be cautious of emails with links or attachments, especially if they are unexpected. These could be gateways for malware or phishing sites.
You can use your position as a vCSO (virtual Chief Security Officer) to guide a client through these cybersecurity challenges.
How?
Step 1 is informing them about the risks and indicators of W-2 and 1099 scams. Keeping them engaged and aware of their biggest risks is critical to getting them onboard with a sound security program.
Creating a culture of security is the goal. This goes way beyond just providing tools. It’s about educating regarding risks. This understanding empowers them to make informed decisions, reducing the likelihood of falling prey to scams. As their IT leadership, our ability to communicate these risks effectively is as crucial as implementing security measures.
So, are you ready to seize the reins and lead through security? The opportunity is bigger than it's ever been. But remember that it's about more than fixing problems. It's about being proactive in preventing them. By guiding our clients through these challenges, we establish ourselves as indispensable advisors in their journey towards cybersecurity.
PRO TIP: Attend the upcoming virtual vCSO event. This session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to strengthen your position as a security leader within your organization and with your clients.
Let’s make 2024 the year where your awesome leadership shines.
More details at: www.galacticscan.com/vcso-virtual
