The Coronavirus Just Ripped Open Every Company’s Virtual Defences
Before the pandemic hit, employees who worked remotely were usually given special work laptops with beefed up security and given strict guidelines that say they must only use a dedicated work laptop using a separate, secure wi-fi connection.
They normally have to jump through multiple security hoops to even get past the welcome screen. For example, they must plug in a USB security stick to “unlock” work files. These measures make him difficult—but not impossible—to hack.
In short, this is the level of security needed to ward off hackers. The thing is, coronavirus has uprooted all our lives in many ways. And among the most visible disruptions is forcing millions of us to work from home.
Every Company’s “Attack Surface” Just Exploded
Practically every employee is now working from a makeshift desk on their kitchen table. businesses only had days to cobble together remote work plans. So you can bet most didn’t set up secure systems. In fact, the vast majority of employees probably don’t even have dedicated work laptops.
So millions of employees are using personal laptops–on unsecured home internet connections–to access work files. Many of which likely contain confidential information and personal data.
This is a dream come true for cyber criminals. Hackers only need to gain access through one entry point to seize control of a whole network. Once they’re in they can steal data, secrets, and even lock you out of the network.
Hackers broke into the networks of America’s largest defence contractor, Lockheed Martin, by targeting remote workers. If they can infiltrate this system, you best believe remote workers with little security are easy pickings.
It’s Only a Matter of Time Until “The Largest Cyberattack in History” Flashes Across Your Screen
In the past couple months, hackers have targeted crucial medical services in the UK. And attacks against the World Health Organization have more than doubled.
These are only the hacks we know about. Cyber intelligence firm CYFIRMA revealed cyberthreats related to coronavirus shot up 600% from February to March. It’s only a matter of time before we hear about a major cyber breach.
Earlier this month, Dominic Raab used his daily coronavirus press conference to slam hackers targeting research facilities, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies as Covid-19 wreaks havoc around Britain.
"There are various objectives and motivations that lie behind these attacks — from fraud on the one hand to espionage," the Foreign Secretary said.
“But they tend to be designed to steal bulk personal data, intellectual property and wider information that supports those aims."
Spies, criminal gangs, and fraudsters are all lining up to exploit the coronavirus crisis for their own criminal ends.
To round up
Today’s digital business landscape is a tough one to navigate, especially for those who aren’t quite technologically sophisticated. The progressive nature of the internet has created various opportunities for cybercriminals, who seek to exploit vulnerabilities in networks, servers and IT systems in general.
Cybercrime is without question one of the most worrying threats for modern businesses, which is why companies should do everything in their power to safeguard against it.
Cyber Security isn't a 'one-time' thing, it is something of continuous improvement in order to stay one step ahead of potential threats.
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