COVID-19 Is a Cyber Criminals Dream
The global pandemic has created many new and unique evolving cyber security challenges. Here are some steps you can take to make sure you stay safe.
by Marcus
Posted on March 23 2020
The global coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic as exposed flaws in business and individuals cyber security In ways never seen before and generated an almost daily sobering reminder of the underlying threats everyone faces staying safe and secure online. From virus related phishing emails and calls, to telework security lapses the COVID-19 outbreak has created a fresh batch of opportunities for cyber criminals to strike.
From students to employees, people everywhere have had to adjust their technology usage to deal with the global outbreak. Using a rarely used home PC for school and work, downloading various remote desktop and video teleconferencing software all present unique and new security threats. And with social distancing your online and offline lives have become even more intertwined. Here are five key factors and tools to help you stay safe online:
1. Knowledge is key. Know the security policies. Be it for your school or work. Most organizations have in place a remote cyber security policy with details specific to your situation. Be it remove access management, the use of work vs personal devices or the use of shared cloud services. If you are going to be secure its important to have knowledge about the tools already in place to help you. If you are a business owner, it’s important that you check and update your policy – if you do not have one or are not sure if it is adequate. Contact our enterprise sales department and we would be happy to help you put a plan in place.
2. Secure your network. Now is the time to make sure the networks you use (home, coffee shops, etc.) are secure. While some places are out of your control, such as a public area. You have full control over your home network. The use of security controls such as firewalls on a home network is an important part of making sure the sensitive data you access stays private.
3. Password and login hygiene. If you haven’t gotten a personal security audit recently now is the time. We offer them for free. Get informed about data breaches, and public information that may put at risk your security. You can have the strongest network security in the world, but that’s beaten if someone just knows your password.
4. Device hygiene. Just as important as making sure your login information is safe. You need to make sure your devices are safe. Patches and updates, as annoying as they may be to install and stay on top of are critical defenses against cyber criminals.
5. Education. Much like the first step the last one centers on being informed. Being educated about potential threats, scams, phishing links, and security exploits help keep you in front of a potential problem. Our ACTIVE monitoring services can help give you these needed tools to stay ahead of any threat.
By all estimations COVID-19 is likely to be with us for a while. And with it will come many new and unique challenges and uncertainty. Don’t add on to your challenges by falling victim to a cyber criminal because you’ve allowed your, or your business’ cyber security to lapse. Make sure you have policies in place, your devices are updated, passwords secure, and threats monitored to protect you, your loved ones and businesses from any new cyber threat.
Category: Security
Topics ACTIVE Security Phishing COVID-19 Cyber Security Policies
Tags: Hackers Password Security