The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things, and one of them is social media – specifically, the rising usage of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and more, and the rippling effects from such utilization.[1] Since the beginning of 2020, as human interaction and peoples’ in-person social lives became virtually non-existent, with much of the U.S. undergoing a lockdown mandate, the use of social media skyrocketed. Since COVID-19, social media engagement increased by 61%, and as social distancing requirements kept many people apart throughout 2020, online platforms began playing a key role in keeping individuals connected and entertained.[2] Yet with that increased usage, also came other issues that began surfacing just as quickly.
By 2021, cybercriminals have found a new way to target Instagram users specifically, through an email phishing scam, by sending false copyright infringement notices and obtaining confidential information.[3] Specifically, Internet hackers have been sending false notices via email, requesting for the recipient to click a link to a complaint, and stating that if the infringement claim is incorrect, to complete the objection form via the link. Once users provide information such as their email address and Instagram password, their social media platform usage is then compromised and sensitive data may be…
