COVID-19 Updates
Planning Opportunities During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Now is the time to consider your current cash flow, taxes and long-term planning. These questions are meant to spur conversation about planning opportunities during this unprecedented time. Please review the checklist below and feel free contact us if we can help with your planning needs.
Coronavirus Planning Opportunities
COVID-19: Reliable Sources of Information
As you probably know, there is a profusion of misinformation out there on social media about the coronavirus outbreak. It is so widespread that it's being dubbed an "infodemic." And it's causing plenty of its own damage.
You may be wondering where to turn to separate fact from fiction about COVID-19. Here are three trustworthy online resources that provide the most current information--and shoot down the most current myths.
1. COVID-19 Facts
The aim of the well-designed and consumer-friendly website COVID-19 FACTS is to "provide accurate and credible information to counter myths that are gaining traction on social media platforms." It is a public health information campaign brought to you by the maker of Lysol (and U.K. brand Dettol) and draws on such trusted international resources as The Economist, Johns Hopkins University, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and many others.
2. World Health Organization
You can get straight talk from the original source at the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. The WHO provides evidence-based information on the outbreak with daily updates, myth-busting and much more.
3. Federation of American Scientists
The CORONAVIRUS PROJECT OF THE FEDERATION OF AMERICAN SCIENTISTS aims "to debunk misinformation circulating the web on matters of public health and safety, as well as provide clear and sourced information for policymakers. …We cut through the noise to present clear information and advice for the public, policymakers, and reporters looking for scientist-led and evidence-based analysis. We want to make science accessible, so we are taking on the task of translating scientific papers full of jargon and shoptalk into plain language for anyone who wants to be in the know."
Cybersecurity Alert: Coronavirus Phishing Scams
As the Coronavirus continues to spread worldwide, so do phishing attacks disguised as helpful information on the outbreak. Security experts report an uptick in phishing messages being sent to businesses and individuals on the topic. Many appear to be checklists and fact-sheets PDFs with information on cleaning or remote work. Clicking on these links or attachments will instead download malware on your machine that can hold your data for ransom or act as spyware.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also reports that hackers are sending phishing emails appearing to come from the WHO. The organization has reminded people that it will never require you to log in to view safety information or email attachments you did not request.
How to avoid phishing attacks
You must be vigilant when receiving an email regarding the Coronavirus. Before clicking on any link or attachment you must:
- Verify the sender: Hover your mouse over the “from” line to detect the true sender. If you do not recognize the email address or it does match the organization it claims to be from, do not click.
- Check all links: Before clicking on any links in the email, hover your mouse over the URL or button to ensure the link is going where it says it is.
- Do not open attachments: Do not open any attachments from an unsolicited email or if you are unsure.
- When in doubt, delete: If you are unsure, delete the email and contact the sender or organization directly to verify that they sent the information.
Be vigilant online and remember the 10-second EMAIL rule: Examine Message and Inspect Link. If you receive an attachment or link in an unsolicited email—do not click.