Along with the health and economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we also have rising incidents of cyberattacks to contend with. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of remote working arrangements as well as the anxiety brought about by the unstable social and economic situation created by the novel coronavirus to develop and boost attacks. However, many businesses, as well as individuals, have failed to ensure that their cyber protections are up to date.
Here are 3 types of cyberattacks facing individuals and organizations:
Data Harvesting Malware
Cybercriminals are using Covid-19 related information as bait to infiltrate systems and steal data from unsuspecting individuals. These online threat actors are increasingly deploying data harvesting malware such as spyware, info stealers, and remote access trojans to compromise networks.
Online Scams and Phishing
Cybercriminals have revised their usual phishing schemes and online scams. Online threat actors are enticing victims into sharing sensitive information and downloading harmful programs into their devices using Covid-19 themed phishing emails. Such emails are often impersonating health and government authorities.
DDoS and Ransomware
There has been a spike in DDoS and ransomware attacks in the last few months. Due to the potential for high impact and financial benefit, cybercriminals are increasingly using ransomware against healthcare institutions and critical infrastructure. Individuals, businesses, and government are all potential targets of disruptive malware.
Ways to Increase Protection
A surge in remote working has created an opportunity for cybercriminals to increase attacks. Research shows that a lot of businesses and individuals are yet to ensure that their cyber defences are up to date. Below, we take a look at some of the steps individuals and businesses can take to increase protection against cyberattacks.
Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most effective tools when it comes to online security. A VPN creates a private network from a public internet connection giving you privacy and anonymity. Get a VPN app for protection and data security and privacy. Using this tool will make your internet connection more secure.
Backup and Encryption
Having an effective encryption and backup strategy ensures that your data is protected from hackers. Encryption scrambles your data and makes it unintelligible to those with unauthorized access. Having a proper backup means that you can wipe your systems and restore data in the event of a ransomware attack.
Staff Training
Most cyberattacks exploit human weakness. Employee training can reduce the risk of attack. The basic rule when it comes to preventing phishing attacks in your business is teaching your employees to avoid clicking on email attachments and links unless they’re sure that the source is legitimate.
Two-Factor Authentication
Enabling two-factor authentication (2-FA) on any account that requires login credentials is a great way to add an extra layer of security and prevent hackers from breaching your network. With 2-FA, you need your account password and a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your mobile device to access the account.
Update Your System
Keep your system up to date to reduce the risk of a security breach. Software developers are always on the lookout for vulnerabilities in their code and release updates or patches periodically to fix them. Be sure to download updates for your OS and apps as soon as they are released.
With lockdowns and stay-at-home orders in place to eliminate the spread of Covid-19, the pandemic has forced many businesses to turn to remote working. The increased reliance on digital infrastructure has increased the risk of cyberattacks. Businesses and individuals must therefore take adequate cybersecurity measures to ensure protection.