How to Stop Cybercrooks using Coronavirus to spread malware

Cybercriminals constantly latch on to news items that captivate the public’s attention, but usually, they do so by sensationalizing the topic or spreading misinformation about it.

Recently, however, cybercrooks have started disseminating real-time, accurate information about global infection rates tied to the Coronavirus pandemic in a bid to infect computers with malicious software.

Ilia Kolochenko, Founder & CEO of web security company ImmuniWeb,  answers a few quick-fire questions to give us all some advice on how to deal with the malware virus to ensure it doesn’t contaminate your company’s systems.

How are hackers using coronavirus to scam people?

Coronavirus is a formidable and fairly unprecedented opportunity to trick panicking people amid the global havoc and mayhem. In light of the spiraling uncertainty and fake news, even experienced cybersecurity professionals may get scammed by a well-crafted phishing email allegedly coming from a national health authority and involving his or her family or workplace.

How can people avoid being scammed?

The more emotions and personal matters the attackers’ leverage, the more successful their campaigns will likely be.

The human factor remains the most burdensome to mitigate by technical means among the wide spectrum of organizational cyber risks, and the COVID-19 connection makes victims particularly susceptible to thoughtless actions.

What should businesses do to put a stop this?

Organizations should urgently consider implement and promulgate a clear, centralized and consistent internal process to communicate all the events and precautions related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Corporate cybersecurity and security awareness should constitute an invaluable part of such communications, as cybercriminals are profiteering from obscurity and uncertainty.

More
articles