Woman handing house keys to masked person on porch

You wouldn't hand a stranger the keys to your front door just because they told you they knew your best friend. You'd want proof. You'd call your friend and ask.

But that's exactly what's happening to businesses right now, and it's working.

Here's the scam:

You get a call or an email from someone pretending to be from your company's IT department. They sound legitimate. They name-drop Bob from Accounting. They mention Sarah in Marketing just got married. They reference last week's server issue, or the EMR system your company uses.

They tell you there's an IT issue that needs fixing, and then they ask you to install remote access software so they can "fix" it.

If you install it, they're in. They'll quietly steal your company's data and then demand payment to keep it from being leaked or sold.

And here's the part that should really make you pause: if you refuse to grant remote access, they may show up on-site impersonating your IT team. They'll plug a USB drive into your computer, telling you they need to image the device or create a backup. Sounds credible, right? But that USB drive? It does exactly what the remote access software would have done. It gives them control.

So, what can you do?

Two rules:

  1. Don't install anything from anyone you don't know and trust. If someone contacts you claiming to be from your IT team and asks you to install remote access software, stop and move to Rule #2.
  2. If necessary, confirm credentials with trusted contacts. Someone you don't know claims to be from your IT department? Tell them you're going to verify their identity and ask for a callback number. Hang up and call your IT team directly using a number you already know. Verify before you do anything. A legitimate IT provider will understand that you want to confirm they are who they say they are before proceeding.

You protect the key to your front door. Protect your digital doors too.

Strong security requires more than just tools; it requires process. A comprehensive IT plan includes elements like cybersecurity awareness training for your team, documented procedures for handling remote access requests, and proactive guardrails that help prevent impersonation scams from turning into breaches. Schedule a discovery call to discuss how we can help implement these safeguards across your organization.