Cyberthreats Skyrocket as Coronavirus Cases Continue Rising
As Coronavirus Cases Continue Rising, Cybercriminals Are Taking Advantage of the State of Uncertainty and Fear… Here’s How to Stay Safe.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has offered various recommendations to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic – but they’re all pertaining to your physical and mental safety. Naturally, this is important, but what about your digital safety? Unfortunately, cybercriminals are ramping up their efforts due to the following:
- The wide-scale adoption of remote access and cloud-based tools
- The increase in activity and usage on home networks
- The state of uncertainty and fear around the world
As coronavirus cases continue to rise, businesses of all types and sizes must be aware of the risks of cybercrime during this difficult time. Cybercriminals are actively taking advantage of the current circumstances. They’re jumping at the opportunity to exploit the coronavirus pandemic – tricking unsuspecting individuals into downloading malicious software that steals valuable information or drains bank accounts.
Flavio Aggio, Chief Information Security Officer for The World Health Organization (WHO), explained,
“There has been a big increase in targeting of the WHO and other cybersecurity incidents. There are no hard numbers, but such compromise attempts against us and the use of WHO impersonations to target others have more than doubled.”
A Look at the Cost of Cybercrime…
As businesses rush to embrace remote work, many are overlooking the importance of safeguarding systems, data, and applications. Naturally, this is because they’re transitioning to remote work fast – without the right tools, processes, and procedures in place. But cybercrime can be incredibly costly, especially in these uncertain times. The cost of cybercrime encompasses the following:
- Lost productivity and/or billable hours
- Damage or destruction of essential data
- Stolen financial details, and in turn, money
- Expenses associated with forensic investigation
- Expenses associated with restoring data and systems
- Lost customer trust and ongoing reputational damage
- And much, much more
How Can You Stay Safe Against Cybercriminals That Are Ramping Up Their Efforts?
Here are some tips to keep you safe against cybercriminals that are ramping up their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic:
- There is no miracle cure for COVID-19: Remember that there is no miracle cure or vaccine to date. If you receive an email stating that the sender has information to offer, delete it. It’s not true. It’s more likely to be a piece of malware designed to harm you.
- Don’t wire transfer money to anyone: Cybercriminals are using an old trick wherein they call or email you stating that a family member or loved one is in the hospital, and they need you to transfer money. Ignore the email and follow up with the individual.
- Never send your login credentials to anyone: Microsoft, Google, and any other technology firm OR legitimate organization will ask for your login credentials via phone or email. Be aware and delete any emails requesting sensitive information.
Hackers know that millions of individuals are working from home right now. They’ll try their best to use your personal computer, which is typically less secure than a corporate computer, to break into your network.
If you have questions about cybersecurity during this difficult time, get in touch with us at .
Everyday, I work to ensure organizations are leveraging technology to optimize their business, improve employee performance and satisfaction, and protect themselves from cybersecurity threats. I love my role in business development because it allows me to connect with all facets of a business. My primary focus is working with new prospective clients and introducing them to the Generation IX way of IT services and support. Additionally, I evaluate new technology and potential vendor partnerships. We are constantly looking for the best solutions for our clients.
