How Security Threats Have Evolved Due to Covid-19

Malicious cyber attackers are taking advantage of the current situation by targeting remote workers through various forms of hidden malware. These include emails portrayed to look like they are from charities, health organisations and other well-known organisations. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these phishing scams in order to prevent jeopardising your machine and business.

False phishing emails are being disguised as ones from top organisations and charities. With Covid-19 causing a global pandemic, remote workers are more vulnerable to click on links to these emails which are riddled with malware.

Below are our top tips to prevent a cyber attack and to carry on a ‘business as usual’ approach when remote working.

Top Tips To Prevent A Cyber Attack:

• Never open files or links that you are unsure of. Always check with your security team first, by giving them a call or sending a screenshot of the email- never forward it on to colleagues.
• Beware of ‘special offers’ emails, or any containing spelling errors that look as though they are from charities or health organisations e.g. WHO is a popular one going around at the moment. If you need to donate money, always go on the charity website and never click on email links.
• Make sure all your passwords are strong and different to each other on different portals and sites that you use. This makes it less likely for hackers to breach all of your privacy if they happen to guess one.
• Ensure you have top security measures in place to act as a shield to your computer e.g. Sophos XG Firewall can block any pop ups that could be riddled with malware.

Important facts:

1. Did you know that 32% of data breaches start with a phishing email?
2. There has been an increase in cyber attacks since Covid-19 has caused more and more people to be working from home.
3. Usually untrustworthy emails always have a long-winded email address or contain spelling errors- be aware of this.