Since the beginning of the Covid-19, the Internet has become a good place for people to connect and do business online during the lockdown period. People are increasingly relying on the Internet to shop, work and socialize. As the use of Internet services increases, so make online threats to the Internet users. Online crooks are taking advantage of the pandemic and are using the new digital services and remote working setups. The following guide examines the impact of the pandemic on Internet safety and the steps you can take to mitigate the damage.
Cyber-attacks on video conferencing services
An example of criminals who exploit cybersecurity vulnerabilities during telework is cyber-attacks through video conferencing services. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, more than half a million people are suffering from cyber attacks. Personal information such as name, password, and email address is stolen from video conferencing users and sold online.
Most hackers use the "OpenBullet" tool to carry out this attack. Besides, hackers use credentials stuffing methods to gain access to employee credentials, and once they access the data, they sell it to other cybersecurity criminals. Tag filling is a form of cyberattack in which hackers use the username and password combinations after stealing them to gain access to other accounts.
It's a common tactic because users often use the same username and password combination for multiple accounts. Typically, this has brought significant disruption to companies that rely heavily on video conferencing platforms.
Diversification of the cyber threat landscape due to Covid-19
- Malicious people working from home with fewer technical controls and less supervision may be tempted to commit fraud or carry out cyberattacks.
- Cyber criminals understand that the security measures currently in place are not effective enough to prevent them from successfully launching cyberattacks.
- Hacktivists' activities increase the cybersecurity threat.
- Hackers with less technical skills test cyberattack packages at various organizations to enhance their skills.
Measures to improve Internet security
Implement new policies
For these companies, cybersecurity and post-crisis IT rights require careful analysis and management, monitoring, and assisting teleworkers. For employees who move from home to office, cybersecurity professionals need to implement strict system access and control before a customized system can connect to the network.
Reset security systems
You need to reset both physical and digital security systems to check for digital loopholes. Data access rights to the system during the Covid-19 to allow teleworking require an assessment to determine whether they need revocation or extension.
You need to check computer systems for cracks, wrong paths, or fraudulent activities. It's because cybercriminals may have found ways to access data that would otherwise be restricted.
Use Antivirus protection
You may need to use antivirus and antimalware software on your PCs. While this does not provide foolproof protection, it mitigates many low-level attacks.
Cybersecurity awareness
You need to know best practices and procedures for sending emails or other content to personal email addresses or cloud storage. You should be careful when receiving emails and verify the authenticity of the sending address. You should also ensure that your home WiFi network has strong password protection.
Use a VPN
Virtual private networks provide additional protection for home Internet use. You can't just rely on them to prevent cyberattacks, but they can be an essential barrier against cyberattacks.
Identify weak spots
There are weaknesses in all computer systems. You should test to identify and fix the most critical vulnerabilities as quickly as possible. It can take the form of a vulnerability test or various types of intrusion test exercises. In addition, you may need to strengthen parts of the technical infrastructure.
Carry out frequent Internet security reviews
You should regularly assess the exposure to cybersecurity risks and determine whether current controls are strong enough. You should include any new forms of cyberattack that emerge in your analysis. You should keep your business continuity plans up to date and consider cyber attack scenarios.
Conclusion
Many people and companies are accelerating their digital transformation, and cyberattacks have become a challenge. Reputation, operational, regulatory, and compliance impacts can be significant if you ignore cybersecurity risks.
Hopefully, the above guide will help you understand the effects of COVID-19 on your Internet Safety and the mitigation measures you may need to take, however, if you have any cybersecurity concerns, please contact Clearnetwork experts for network security services.
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