Beware of Increased Cybersecurity Threats During Coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only infected the entire globe with a health crisis like never seen before. It has changed our lives, families, businesses, work and our security. It has brought about new risks and challenges in the workplace, with cyberspace being no exception. 

Amid this worldwide health pandemic, cybercriminals have been capitalizing on the crisis by preying on the most vulnerable. In fact, the FBI recently reported that cyberattacks have increased to as many as 4,000 more per day, representing a 400% increase from pre-coronavirus numbers. 

Attackers have been using ransomware, phishing attacks and Malspams to target businesses, employees, and customers by sending misleading COVID-19 applications as bait. They are also sending fraudulent emails, and website scams focused on stimulus payments, unemployment, PPP loans and benefits. 

With roughly one in four employees working entirely from home since the pandemic, individuals and their organizations must take proactive steps to ensure cyber safety and security. 

MedSafe suggests these helpful tips to reduce your threat against cyberterrorism.

1. Employees should understand their organization’s telework policies, including all security measures and best practices.
2. Only use devices approved by the organization. Avoid using personal devices for work. Guard your devices. Never leave your laptop, tablet or cell phone or any device unattended when in public areas. 
3. Organizations should provide training. Without adequate training, an organization’s entire network is at risk, which is why it is critical to provide thorough and ongoing training to educate employees on the dangers of cyberterrorism and how to identify phishing scams.
4. Employees must create strong passwords, including a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Never share passwords online. 
5. Use email filters.  An email filter can help prevent spam and other junk emails that may contain malicious links and attachments. 
6. Update Antivirus Protection- A current antivirus software will not only be effective in helping to protect an organization from phishing attacks, but it is also an invaluable defence against many types of dangerous threats. 
7. Update home routers. Home routers should be updated to the most current software and secured with a lengthy, unique passphrase.
8. When necessary, use VPNs - A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology used to securely connect to the internet and protect data by sending it via an encrypted tunnel. It is vital for maintaining security and privacy online. 
9. Think before you click. Employees should use extreme caution and avoid downloading or clicking on unknown links in emails that could be dangerous malware or phishing attacks.
10. Use your organization’s IT help desk. If you need technical support, contact your organization’s IT department. 

The COVID-19 pandemic will have long lasting effects on every organization and individual. The fight against this crisis will be a joint effort from governments, health entities organizations and individual citizens alike. Cybersecurity and risk management will also play a critical part of these measures. 

If your practice is seeking safety or cybersecurity training, contact the experts at MedSafe. MedSafe is the nation’s leading one-stop resource for outsourced safety, training and health compliance solutions. We offer a wide variety of on-site and online training courses, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration Safety, Corporate Compliance, HIPAA, Billing Compliance, and Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace.

Contact us today for a free training consultation.

Toll-free: (888) MED-SAFE

www.medsafe.com