Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting people: stay alert

Written by:
Leo Hoogma, 20 July 2026

Over the past few weeks, there have once again been many reports of cyberattacks. Large organisations, such as municipalities and airlines, have experienced digital problems.

What stands out is that criminals are increasingly less focused on breaking through technical security measures. They are increasingly targeting people.

At Hoogma Webdesign, we believe it is important to raise awareness about this. Not to create fear, but to help people become more aware of the risks.

Many digital problems today do not start with a computer or server, but with a message that looks trustworthy.

Have you received a suspicious email or are you unsure whether a message is genuine? Feel free to contact us. Others may have received the same message, and we can help you determine whether it is safe.

Cybercriminals take advantage of trust

Many people think of a hack as a complicated technical attack. Someone trying to break into systems using advanced software.

In reality, it often works differently.

Criminals mainly try to gain your trust. For example, they pretend to be:

a company director or business owner;
a colleague;
a supplier;
a helpdesk employee.

The request often sounds completely normal:

“Could you open this link for me?”
“Can you install this program?”
“Can you send me this code?”
“Can you arrange this quickly?”

Because the message sounds friendly and believable, people sometimes respond without checking first.

A well-known example: gift card fraud

A common form of fraud is a message that appears to come from a director or manager.

The email often starts in a personal way. The sender asks for help with a surprise or payment.

An example:

“Hello, I hope you are doing well. I have a small request. I would like to arrange something to thank our employees. Could you help purchase some gift cards? I will of course reimburse you.”

At first glance, this seems like a friendly and normal request.

But the real goal often comes afterwards: the sender asks for the gift card codes.

These codes are effectively the same as money. Once someone else has these codes, they can use the value without permission.

Fortunately, some situations are discovered in time and damage can be prevented. However, these examples show how convincing these messages can be.

How can you recognise a suspicious message?

Pay extra attention when:

someone asks you to keep something secret;
there is pressure or urgency such as “please arrange this as soon as possible”;
you are asked to pay or purchase something outside normal procedures;
you are asked to share passwords, codes or personal information;
you are asked to install software;
someone you know suddenly makes an unusual request.

A real colleague, supplier or director will understand that you want to verify a request first.

When in doubt, always check

Our most important advice:

Never do something important just because someone asks you via email, WhatsApp or phone.

Always verify the request through another method.

For example:

Call the person using a known phone number.
Ask a colleague personally.
Have someone else review the message.
Do not open links or files you do not trust.

A one-minute phone call can prevent serious problems.

Create clear procedures within your organisation

For companies, it is wise to create simple rules.

No payments without additional verification.
No changes to account details without verbal confirmation.
Never share passwords or security codes.
Every employee should feel free to ask questions when unsure.

A useful solution is to create agreements for unusual requests within your organisation. This allows you to quickly check whether a request really comes from the right person.

Security starts with people

A secure website, strong passwords and reliable security software are important.

But people remain an essential part of online security.

Cybercriminals deliberately use trust, helpfulness and urgency.

That is why our advice is simple:

When in doubt, stop and ask.
Have you received a suspicious email? For example, about gift cards, payments, logging in or installing software?

Feel free to check whether others have received the same message, or contact Hoogma Webdesign.

We are happy to look at it with you.