History has shown us that unscrupulous hackers can manipulate any crisis, and Covid-19 is no exception.
Attackers have wasted no time developing coronavirus phishing emails and malware-infected websites that appear to monitor the global spread of the coronavirus.
These opportunistic attacks are the anticipated variant on familiar themes, where terror is used to alter a person’s actions. But, unlike the usual crisis, a natural catastrophe or a terrorist attack confined in time and space, the consequences of the pandemic are global and widespread.
Although there are several ways to manipulate a global pandemic, cyberattacks are an apparent and especially explosive option.
Cyber attacks can take place rapidly internationally and with almost no risk to the attacker.
They can be inspired by any motivation, from financial gain to espionage, vandalism, and terrorism. And they will take advantage of new vulnerabilities in our already fragile cybersecurity, fueled by distraction and global paranoia and unprecedented levels of remote work.
Similarly, frustrated employees working in unfamiliar areas are more prone to making mistakes when processing sensitive data, which turns out to be of great advantage to the hacker.
Do you want to know more about online privacy vulnerabilities? Keep reading!
The 3 most common threats to your privacy online
As trivial as an innocent audience may seem, real technology and risk experts are aware of the potential risks involved in using personal computers to conduct business or the presence of an unsecured network.
The more people work from home, the more likely there are scammers or hackers.
1 # Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
Because workers operate from home, they connect to their more insecure home networks. Protection mechanisms built into the corporate network, such as antivirus systems and firewalls, are often absent. This makes it easier for them to fight viruses and malicious attacks.
Also, as many workers work from home, some of them are likely to ignore the suggested safety precautions and work outside the home to connect to public Wi-Fi networks, which are the ideal entry point for the data leakage or illegal surveillance of Internet traffic.
2 # Phishing
Hackers are expected to expand their fraudulent activities, including phishing attacks, in the near future as people are more concerned about the coronavirus.
Phishing scams are malicious practices aimed at stealing your personal information, such as your password, identification, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and so on.
Hackers are trying to take advantage of the Covid-19 outbreak to spread ransomware, steal bank details, and more. This is why phishing attacks and hacking attempts are on the rise.
3 # Use of personal computers
You may be tempted to use your personal equipment while working from home, either because it is more comfortable or for other purposes.
Keep in mind that your personal laptop may not have the proper backup systems and security precautions.
This makes you solely responsible for exposing your data to the insecure world and increasing the possibility of a possible hack.
How to avoid online privacy cyberattacks
Despite the fact that it is at this time the more cybercriminals are taking advantage of to try to hack us, we can do a number of things to avoid these types of problems.
➽ Cyber hygiene, a key factor
How many times have you heard the phrase “wash your hands” in these months? Many, right? It is very important to wash your hands, since they are the ones that can contain the most germs and bacteria. When we telecommute, we pollute the entire space, both the computer keyboard and the mouse.
The same goes for digital hygiene. It is key if you do not want to transmit viruses and other malicious programs to sensitive computers.
Over the years, we’ve learned that the surest way to defend yourself is to leave no trace. Keep your identities secret as much as possible, do not post any personal data online, such as phone numbers and full names, and never save your entire life story on your Facebook profile.
➽ Keep using your VPN
There are several explanations as to why malicious companies and organizations may try to hack your IP address. But if you learn how to use a VPN, your IP address will be protected, among other benefits, and you won’t need to think about it.
And you? What are you waiting for to put an end to cybercrime?
