As both private and government sectors shift and do massive efforts in dealing with the spreading of the novel coronavirus, a few long-standing problems and issues become more evident. One of which is cybersecurity that is becoming more important concerning the global crisis.
In light of this, here are some of the most pressing issues that cybersecurity professionals confront in the face of the pandemic:
Higher Instances of Cyber Risks
Unfortunately, cybercriminals take times of panic and confusion as the perfect time to breach security and take advantage of data. When the public becomes desperate for news and information, criminals will find it easier to misinform and mislead them.
For instance, headlines that provoke a response or a call to click a certain link that contains malicious content are some of the tactics that criminals do.
Concerns such as these are not a matter of “what if it happens”, because these things are happening already. A massive number of fraudulent emails and messages have dramatically increased since January.
Aside from this, the shifting of working habits such as WFH or work-from-home setups has increased the risk of cybercrimes.
Home computers and devices may not be equipped with the same necessary security as the one that individuals use for their work. With this, the data used for work becomes a highly vulnerable target for hackers.
Malware and Ransomware
Despite the massive problem brought by the pandemic, cybercriminals take this opportunity to further implement their malicious intentions.
For instance, authorities have found that Trojans, malware, and spyware have been embedded in maps and information websites about coronavirus.
Aside from this, various emails have also tricked individuals to click on spam links that can download harmful malware to their computers and devices.
Institutions such as medical sectors, public sectors, and even hospitals have fallen target to non-forgiving cybercriminals.
Considering that these institutions are overwhelmed and preoccupied with the health crisis, criminals are taking advantage of this fact for ransomware attacks, forcing them to pay the ransom out of pressure from being locked out of their computer systems.
With all these threats considered, authorities and cybersecurity professionals cannot stress the importance of following and practicing a few steps in order to reduce the chances of falling victim to these hackers and criminals.
Below are some of the few steps that you can do to prevent these risks and threats:
Safeguard your Information
Make sure that your important files and data that are in your computer and devices are backed-up and saved in an independent device such as an external drive, a flash drive, or in a cloud.
Aside from this, you should also verify a website or a file if it is legitimate and safe before opening it or entering sensitive information in it.
Double-check your Software and Systems
Make sure that you have the up-to-date anti-virus software on your devices and computers. Aside from this, you should disable third-party and outdated parts of your devices that can be potentially used as entry points by the criminals.
Periodically perform scans and diagnostic tests on your computers as well to see if your computer has contracted malicious files and software that can pose a threat to your information and data.
Be Careful and Vigilant
Regularly double-check and update the privacy of your social media accounts – this includes strengthening your passwords and making sure that there are no harmful third-parties who have access to your accounts.
Also avoid clicking on suspicious links and attachments in emails so as to avoid installing harmful malware and viruses to your devices.
At critical times like this, one should always take an extra step in protecting not only their health, but also their digital data.
If you’re interested in becoming an expert at cybersecurity to help sectors at times like this, enrolling yourself to courses might be a great idea.
Cybersecurity online course providers such as Reliable Cyber Solutions are among the best ones who provide the necessary skills and training.
