Many websites and messages concerning the COVID-19 disease and coronavirus pandemic are, in fact, are scams. These fake sites that can enable malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, password theft and even worse, can steal consumer personal information. In relation to this, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has warned individuals to remain vigilant for scams related to COVID-19.
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In relation to this, both businesses and consumers are vulnerable. However, steps can be taken to avoid phishing schemes, and hence to prevent hackers from taking control machines and then accessing personal data. One example is with networks. Here the vulnerability is that as networks grow and change, security controls weaken over time. This means that companies should seek to avoid environmental drift by continually evaluating their security controls.
Digital Journal caught up with Pali Surdhar, Chief Security Officer at nCipher Security, to consider some of the safety actions that people can put into place.
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Surdhar notes that: “Hackers are taking advantage of the coronavirus situation. Be aware that you might start getting a lot of phishing emails. ”
There are other forms of communication as well, which present a potential risk Surdhar says: “You might also get texts asking you to sign in. Articles about coronavirus are going to be interesting to anyone, and it’s a great way for attackers and hackers to get into your system and get some information from you.”
In terms of a real-world example, Surdhar cites: “Johns Hopkins has an interactive coronavirus map. Hackers are creating maps that look very similar, and they are loading them with tools with malicious payloads.”
The risk here is that “If you click on them, they are going to infect your machines, and then gain access and information. So, there is a danger. Be aware that there will be an increase in phishing emails trying to lure you to unsafe sites. Don’t give up your credentials willy-nilly. In fact, I just recommend that you go to trusted sources.”
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