The WHO recently warned of cybercriminals posing as WHO to steal money and sensitive information. Threat actors exploit the fear surrounding COVID-19 Pandemic by identifying phishing attempts and embedding malicious links in supposed news articles and communications related to the pandemic. It is good cyber hygiene for companies to inform and train their employees regularly about phishing risks and potential cyber threats. Recent events provide an opportunity to remind employees of the threats and best practices associated with phishing and fraud.
Critical infrastructure disruption may be attributable to the COVID-19 Virus, but it is critical to address security risks, especially when working remotely. Make sure you get the latest news, analysis, and solutions from IT security experts and cybersecurity experts.
Cygenta, based in the UK, and a blog dedicated to equipping workers for safe work from home. This month, employers in Asia, Gartner, and organizations across Asia are offering advice on how to keep their employees engaged in coping with the effects of the coronavirus, as well as tips on how to keep them on track.
As virus fears persist, cybersecurity is unlikely to be high on the agenda. Remote employees have difficulty distinguishing legitimate communications from attack attempts and cyber incidents. They often find it difficult to keep up with those who may not be familiar with the system.
While this is a necessity for state and local authorities that need accommodation – on the spot – it is also an opportunity to create a better understanding of the risks posed by unknown technologies and services. Ordinary requests to install new software or click on a specific link do so, but unknown technologies or services pose a risk.
This work – dynamic at home – creates a very opportunistic situation for hackers and phishers, especially in the wake of the rise of social media and the spread of mobile devices.
Data security is a top priority for employees who rightly focus on their work-life balance and security of their personal and business data. But while employees’ typical protections against a cyber attack have declined, where are hackers taking advantage?
Cybersecurity in the Covid 19 Era
COVID-19 phishing attacks in which malicious cyber attackers exploit the fear and confusion surrounding the coronavirus to obtain personal, business and financial information.
Businesses and individuals have a strong fear and confusion about the current state of affairs. Given the challenges and uncertainties blocking the way forward, companies are unable to protect their digital assets and sensitive information from insidious actors and cybersecurity risks. Phishing scams, cyber-attacks, and the Coronavirus – these have left companies and individuals are left in the dark about the strong fears and confusion surrounding this current situation.
Given the massive impact of COVID 19 on the cybersecurity sector, it has been announced that the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will provide a $1.5 million grant for cybersecurity and digital intelligence training for federal officials. With an increasing number of people working remotely and an increase in cyber threats, it is vital to address security risks together with voters.
This initiative also aims to help the cybersecurity community maintain strong security in times of uncertainty. To address the growing threats posed by cybercriminals, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has opened its first Cyber Security Training Centre. The certification body stresses that one can use this phase of social distancing to remain engaged in the industry and also keep one’s career on a cybersecurity course. They bring about security awareness and help one learn basic cybersecurity skills.
The upheaval caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic has forced companies to change how they operate. Physical events have become virtual and non-existent – essential workers now work only with remote access.
What can companies do to protect themselves and their workers from cybersecurity threats?
Media literacy has never been more important, especially during a global health crisis. It seems that some organizations have made statements about the COVID-19 Virus, creating an environment in which cybercrime groups can carry out cyber attacks. Do you think that opening an email that is not expected seems suspicious or comes from an organization with which you do not normally interact? It may very well end up being an attempt to steal your contact information.
The launch of the New Cyber Threat Intelligence Platform by the DFSA in January of this year aims to detect, supervise and regulate any information relating to cyber-attacks posing a risk to data security.
The Security Firm Digital Shadows has further stated that web forums have already started selling phishing kits themed around the COVID-19 Pandemic to easily put an individual at cyber risk.