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How hackers are exploiting the Coronavirus crisis

With the help of Nordlo’s IT security experts Mattias Jadesköld and Erik Zalitis, we’ve summarised how IT security has been affected by more and more of us working from home, and the way hackers have exploited the crisis in order to gain access to company data.

Both the internet and cloud computing solutions continue to run effectively

It was questioned early on whether the internet would be able to withstand the load caused by everyone working from home. Erik explains how many servers and solutions online are not dimensioned for a large increase in use, and that this could lead to overload.

Up to now, however, there have been no major issues with the largest collaboration tools, with Netnod reporting that the internet has been able to cope with the heavy load.

Just as predicted, cybercrime has increased

As many people predicted, the rate of cybercrime has increased as people have changed their pattern of use, not to mention the escalation of e-mails promising important public information, but actually containing infectious documents. There has also been an increase in e-mails asking the recipient to donate money to a charitable cause, where the sender instead keeps all of the funds pledged. Spear phishing (fraudulent activity via e-mail or other electronic communication targeting a specific person, organisation or company) has become increasingly commonplace, with fraudsters attempting to steal login details in order to gain access to e-mail and company resources. There are also signs pointing to an increase in suspected attempts to log in to companies in countries most severely affected by the virus.

Hacker groups have become more active, and security researchers have pinpointed a selection that pose a particular threat at present. E-mails purporting to be from video-conferencing services such as Teams, Google Classroom and Zoom are sent with links claiming to lead to a meeting you need to take part in, but actually attempting to trick you into installing harmful code in your computer. Routers are being attacked, and DNS queries redirected in order to trick users into thinking the WHO is advising them to install an app providing important public information. This is in actual fact harmful code.

Continue to keep a cool head, and be critical of sources

Due to the increase in cyber attacks it is important to remain critical of sources, check the source of your e-mail and links to meetings and keep a cool head. In the current climate, extra vigilance and preparedness is advised – but don’t be paranoid.

Consider widespread use of multi-factor authentication, retain a good overview of systems and double check all messages you receive when you’re working from home, to make sure you and your business remain secure.

If you’re interested in taking a proactive approach to IT security solutions, feel free to contact the Nordlo team.

Read about IT security from Nordlo

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