US-CERT warned users to remain vigilant for malicious cyberactivity centered around Hurricane Harvey including exercising caution with any storm-related emails, attachments, or hyperlinks, even those appearing to originate from trusted sources.

Fraudulent emails often contain links or attachments that direct users to phishing or malware-infected websites. "Emails requesting donations from duplicitous charitable organizations commonly appear after major natural disasters," said the alert from the Department of Homeland Security through the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team.

US-CERT encouraged users and administrators to use caution when encountering these types of email messages and take the following preventative measures to protect themselves from phishing scams and malware campaigns: