Author: David Smith

The COVID-19 outbreak has forced organizations, schools, and workplaces to shift their operations online and work remotely to minimize contact with each other. Governments all over the world are working on developing new plans to ensure that the economic and health conditions stay afloat. Amidst this crisis cybercriminals around the world are taking advantage of the situation and exploiting the system vulnerabilities to gain advantage in systems that are already weak due to the crisis. Let’s have a look at some effects of COVID-19.

The Surge in Phishing and Ransomware Attacks

With the increase in the use of digital technology there has been an increase in phishing and malware attacks. Cybercriminals are using the virus as a bait to trick people into thinking that they are speaking on behalf of the brand. It is not only businesses that are getting affected by COVID-19 related scams, but even people are being tricked into downloading applications which are infected with ransomware. Some credit card companies are also not able to maintain the security of their systems resulting in online theft. Companies should take suitable measures to ensure that their employees don’t open any suspicious links or download documents which are coming from unknown sources under the subject of COVID-19.

DOWNLOAD CYBER ESSENTIALS QUESTIONNAIRE FOR FREE

The COVID-19 outbreak has forced organizations, schools, and workplaces to shift their operations online and work remotely to minimize contact with each other. Governments all over the world are working on developing new plans to ensure that the economic and health conditions stay afloat. Amidst this crisis cybercriminals around the world are taking advantage of the situation and exploiting the system vulnerabilities to gain advantage in systems that are already weak due to the crisis. Let’s have a look at some effects of COVID-19.

The Surge in Phishing and Ransomware Attacks

With the increase in the use of digital technology there has been an increase in phishing and malware attacks. Cybercriminals are using the virus as a bait to trick people into thinking that they are speaking on behalf of the brand. It is not only businesses that are getting affected by COVID-19 related scams, but even people are being tricked into downloading applications which are infected with ransomware. Some credit card companies are also not able to maintain the security of their systems resulting in online theft. Companies should take suitable measures to ensure that their employees don’t open any suspicious links or download documents which are coming from unknown sources under the subject of COVID-19.

DOWNLOAD CYBER ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST PDF FOR FREE

Cybercriminals on the Rise

Due to the pandemic, a lot of companies have lost business and as a result, they are downsizing their companies to cope with the impact of the virus. A lot of people have unfortunately lost their jobs which has made them turn towards illegal means of livelihood such as cybercrime. Organizations should devise proper strategies when they are considering mass lay-offs. They should develop exit plans for their employees and give them enough cushion so that they do not involve themselves in criminal activities. Moreover, employees should take this time to build their skill set and take up online courses which would help them get better jobs in the future.