The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many organizations to set up remote working environments for their employees, without adequately preparing them from a cybersecurity perspective. Several vulnerabilities exist when working remotely, which cybercriminals are using to ramp up their attempts to gain access to data. In its 2020 report on COVID-19’s impact on cybersecurity, Deloitte has reported an increase in cybercrime since the pandemic started.
One of the main methods cybercriminals are using to access computers is phishing scams. This is where hackers pose as trusted companies, pretending to provide COVID-19 information via email or pop-up links. Once someone clicks on these emails or links, criminals are able to access confidential data on their targets and utilize this information in many ways such as identity theft or corporate espionage.
Cyberattacks can be very costly. Businesses and individuals around the world lose about $600 billion annually to cybercrime. Companies that get hacked also stand to lose clients and reputation due to lost trust from the public. Smaller businesses and individuals make easier targets for hackers as they may not have the budget for robust cybersecurity countermeasures.
Read on for Lady Askari’s thoughts on how you can secure your organization from cyber-attacks.
How COVID-19 And Remote Working Increases Cyber Risks
Working from home exposes organizations to cyber risks because employees may not have the same IT infrastructure at home that organizations usually have in place. Employees may also not be aware of the increased cybersecurity threats and how easy it is to be hacked. A recent study found that 66% of workers haven’t had any cybersecurity training in the last 12 months. On top of this, 77% don’t feel that they are vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Studies show that theft of trade secrets increases during economic downturns. Unfortunately, many people have lost their jobs due to the loss of business caused by COVID-19.
Disgruntled, desperate, or unaware employees are a major source of insecurity. Organizations must make sure that information management and intellectual property policies are adhered to by all, especially in situations where employees are distressed.
Access to company data must be immediately revoked once an employee leaves the company. This reduces the chances of your former employees exploiting vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure.
Key Takeaway
COVID-19 has brought with it an increased risk of cyberattacks due to remote working arrangements. This is a critical time to review your cybersecurity and ensure that your organization and home networks are secured against unauthorized access. Remote working is here to stay and organizations must invest more in securing information and networks.
Companies have several cybersecurity options when it comes to safeguarding their data. These solutions must include working with employees to protect the organization because they are the main source of cyber risks. You should also invest in company-wide training and send out regular updates and tips to increase cybersecurity awareness amongst employees. Lady Askari offers Cyber Security Awareness Training that covers anti-phishing awareness, password best practices, and safe browsing methods on the internet, to name a few topics.
VPNs (virtual private networks) are also a good way for organizations to protect their networks as employees work from home. A VPN helps keep your information secure by creating a secure tunnel within your existing network. Even when using a public internet service provider, private information such as your IP address, search history, websites visited as well as your location are not visible to third parties. Organizations that use a VPN must ensure that their VPN configurations are updated regularly.
For additional information on how Lady Askari can help you safeguard your information please contact us at info@ladyaskari.com or find out more information on our website at www.ladyaskari.com