In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are having their employees work from home. This is a great idea for many reasons, but there are risks to be aware of.
Obviously, if your business is deemed “non-essential,” your office is closed. While the definition varies from place to place, the Department of Homeland Security and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have given us some guidelines on what kind of services are essential.
The list includes many businesses that could easily operate remotely, given the internal capabilities. However, cybersecurity is an issue. We’ll show you why, and what you can do to control risk.
The current global health disaster has created a remote office boom that is a big opportunity for cybercriminals because:
Cybersecurity professionals are seeing an increase in ransomware attacks, remote access tools, and trojans. Cybercriminals are using COVID-19 as bait during their phishing attacks, taking advantage of the stress that the coronavirus is causing.
The fact that many remote workers will check their personal emails alongside their professional ones increases the chance that they will let down their guard. Scammers also pose as the hiring business to get remote employees to give up sensitive information.
Attackers are also more successful in targeting businesses directly because businesses are focusing on COVID-19 preparedness and letting security slide.
Not all businesses find it easy to adapt, especially in industries that aren’t commonly associated with remote operations, and whose systems may be outdated and poorly maintained, or generally not conducive to remote capabilities. Industries with extra regulations and certification requirements have even more challenges to face.
Here are a few solutions that will assist businesses in securing their remote workers from attack:
In a way, the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing businesses to put best practices into place that should always be followed. Whether you’re an essential business or not we can help. Give us a call at (973) 882-4644.
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