The COVID-19 pandemic has created a perfect opportunity for hackers to use increasingly devious and exploitive ways to invade our digital space. As our economy slowly begins to reopen, and many workers are transitioning from home to office, an equally large number of employees continue to work remotely. This instability makes it easier for malware to infect your company’s emails, remote access, and digital communication.  The attacks infiltrate and corrupt data using the lure of celebrities, current events, and popular occasions to penetrate our corporate communication networks.

This blog will highlight common cyber-attacks that are currently invading business networks. It also explores solutions for improving cybersecurity across industry sectors.

There is a significant increase in the severity and scope of cyber-attacks throughout the country. During these past months, many companies have looked into installing cybersecurity protection to safeguard against COVID-19 related phishing and malware attacks. It’s vital for businesses to supply continuous support for telecommuting workers as well as those transitioning back to the office. Managers and employees should be informed about current cybersecurity threats and receive training to guard company data against being infected by COVID-19 related scams.

Since March, there has been an alarming rise in malicious cyber-attacks. Below are five examples of prominent malware, phishing, and ransomware scams as well as helpful tips to prevent your company from being victimized.

• Workers should use extreme caution when opening emails related to COVID-19, especially those originating from outside the company. Employees must be cautious about entering their credentials on unfamiliar websites, or opening links from emails, text message, or social media posts, or when opening attachments.

• Workers should not click on links or open attachments from unknown sources. Cybercriminals are using the COVID-19 headline as a tactic to spread computer viruses and steal information. Employees must avoid providing personal information, payment information, or sensitive workplace information via suspicious email addresses.

• Emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts claiming to have inside information on the virus may be infected causing harm to company platforms.

• Employees should be aware of scammers using government aid packages for criminal gain. The government will not request payment, nor will anyone reach out requesting sensitive health or financial information in exchange for financial support.

• Malware emails using COVID-19 as a lure can lead to ransomware infiltration. Companies need to protect their data by installing virus protection software as well as having secure data backups which will minimize the damage.

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