SCAM OF THE WEEK: Duolingo Data Leak

Duolingo is a popular online language learning platform that allows users to learn languages and earn certifications. Recently, Duolingo was involved in a data leak, in which cybercriminals stole the names and email addresses stored on the platform. That means 2.6 million users have been impacted by this data leak.

In the coming months, we expect to see an influx of cybercriminals using phishing scams to try to take advantage of Duolingo’s data leak. For example, cybercriminals may send you a spoofed Duolingo email claiming that you need to change your password or email address. Cybercriminals could also use your leaked name or email address to send more sophisticated phishing attacks. These attacks could be completely unrelated to Duolingo.

Follow the tips below to stay safe from similar scams:

• Think before you click. Cyberattacks are designed to catch you off guard and trigger you to click impulsively.

• Remember that this type of attack isn’t exclusive to Duolingo. Cybercriminals could use this technique to impersonate any app.When you receive an email, stop and look for red flags. For example, watch out for emails that were sent outside of business hours and emails that contain spelling or grammatical errors.

For more information about IT and cybersecurity services for small and medium businesses or to schedule a free initial consultation with no obligation for your business, contact ORAM Corporate Advisors now at (617) 933-5060.