KnowBe4 shares tips to spot eco-themed cyber scams

KnowBe4 has issued practical advice to help individuals and organisations avoid cyber scams related to environmental campaigns on World Environment Day.

World Environment Day, observed each year on 5 June, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to promote global action in support of environmental protection. With increasing global awareness of sustainability issues, cybercriminals have begun to exploit such occasions, creating fraudulent campaigns and donation requests intended to trick those interested in supporting green initiatives.

According to KnowBe4, there is a corresponding spike in online scams during events such as World Environment Day. Cybercriminals are reported to develop sophisticated phishing campaigns, many of which appear to support eco-friendly causes, charity drives, or sustainability projects in order to access personal information or solicit money.

KnowBe4's guidance sets out five recommendations for people looking to avoid falling victim to these environmentally-themed cyber threats. The organisation advises individuals and businesses to be cautious when approached by purported environmental organisations, to avoid impulsive online activities, and to practice good digital hygiene when disposing of old electronics.

The first recommendation is to beware of so-called "greenwashing" scams, in which cybercriminals create fake environmental campaigns and solicit donations or personal information. Individuals are urged to verify the legitimacy of any organisation before making a contribution.

Secondly, KnowBe4 advises people to "think before you click," suggesting that one should be wary of emails or social media posts that promote environmental causes with urgent calls to action. The organisation recommends hovering over links before interacting with them in order to assess their legitimacy.

The third recommendation addresses the proper recycling of electronic waste. KnowBe4 stresses the importance of securely wiping all data from old electronics before recycling to avoid unauthorised access to sensitive information.

Another key piece of advice is to use strong, unique passwords for online accounts, and to enable phishing-resistant multifactor authentication wherever possible. This, KnowBe4 says, will help protect users against unauthorised access due to compromised credentials.

The fifth recommendation is to adopt sustainable IT practices. This includes powering down unused devices, opting for energy-efficient hardware, and reducing unnecessary digital storage, measures that not only benefit the environment but may also enhance security.

Lael Giebel, Director of Global Sustainability at KnowBe4, said, "On World Environment Day, cybercriminals exploit the surge in environmental goodwill, targeting environmentally conscious individuals whose guard is lowered by their genuine desire to help. This is precisely why human risk management must be at the centre of any organisation's security culture. At the intersection of good intentions and cybersecurity, it is ultimately human behaviour that ensures that our environmental commitments remain both impactful and secure."

KnowBe4 also pointed to its ongoing internal sustainability initiatives, including a focus on reducing its carbon footprint, progressing towards a zero waste target, and promoting environmental responsibility among staff through its dedicated sustainability blog.

The organisation underscores the importance of balancing efforts to support global sustainability with the need to maintain cyber security, especially during high-profile international observances such as World Environment Day. By encouraging vigilance and responsible digital practices, KnowBe4 aims to help ensure that individuals and organisations can participate in environmental campaigns without falling prey to cyber threats.