Security researchers are warning that hackers will be out in force this year targeting fans of NCAA Basketball games, better known as “March Madness.”

“March Madness is back and with it comes a great opportunity for cyber criminals who are intent on making some quick cash,” Steve Durbin, managing director of the Information Security Forum, told SiliconANGLE. “Email infection, fake betting websites and traditional phishing attacks are all expected to have their day in the sun.”

Dan Lohrmann, chief security officer at Security Mentor Inc., said that bad actors often flock to major sporting events where millions of people are watching, and March Madness, particularly prone to widespread betting, is no exception. “Cybercriminals are completely prepared for the excitement and hype surrounding March Madness by infecting emails with malware, creating fake betting websites and growing the number of phishing attacks they carry out,” he said.

Nathan Wenzler, chief security strategist at AsTech Inc., added that hackers are becoming highly sophisticated and that users should be aware of less obvious attack methods: “First of all, avoid emailed requests to participate in polls, surveys and contests related to March Madness, unless you know that you personally signed up to be a part of such things from a known and reputable site,” he said. “Likewise, never click on links or attachments in emails. If you’re involved in a tournament bracket, enter the site into your browser directly.”

Fans can take action to avoid being infected. “Think before you click – does the email look real? If it has an embedded link or attachment, those are the first things that should set off warning signals,” Durbin advised. “Is this a site that you’ve seen before? It is far better to use a well-known brand or one you or colleagues/family/friends have used in the past.”

Another question to ask: “Did you really place that bet and have you really scooped the pot? The number of ‘winners’ over the next couple of weeks will be pretty astonishing, but just be sure you’re on the right side and don’t end up becoming another statistic on the losing side.”

Ajay Menendez, executive director for the HUNT Analyst Program at SecureSet Inc., noted that antivirus and antimalware vendors are doing their best to come up with ways to keep ahead of the curve when it comes to malicious code.

However, “much like the games during March Madness, it can be a cat-and-mouse game, with neither side leading for very long, seesawing back and forth often. We rely on these security vendors to keep us safe, just as we rely on the police to keep us safe in physical reality.”

Photo: jeepersmedia/Flickr