The people behind phishing, malware, ransomware, and other attacks are known to prey upon the weak and vulnerable to achieve their ultimate goals. However, in recent weeks these individuals have taken their lack of morals and standards to a whole new low. Coronavirus outbreak exploits are popping up all over the internet, taking advantage of the concerns and fears of the general public. Not only are they going after business owners, but they are also using malware and exploit tools to harm the general public. For businesses, employee education programs, in addition to Greater Boston cybersecurity solutions, can be the answer to prevent this type of attack. Synivate can help you and your team learn how to identify malicious attempts and reduce your risk.
Remote Work and Malware
The coronavirus itself is already causing anxiety, stress, and loss for people all over the world, as we struggle to prevent the spread and find a viable cure. As a result, individuals search for news, information, and prevention techniques that can be used to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. These cybercriminals are the lowest of the low, as they are using the situation to exploit users and profit in other ways. The primary target is people who are looking for information about the virus, and the method is to attack them with various types of malware when they are at their most vulnerable. While your team is probably working hard to get projects completed from home, they are also very likely to receive more phishing attempt emails on their personal and business addresses.
In a single week in March 2020, thousands of new domains that include the name “coronavirus” or “COVID-19” began popping up all over the internet. Since the beginning of January, when the outbreak began to spread across the globe, more than 16,000 new domains were registered overall. While not all of them have malicious intent, security experts estimate that as much as 20 percent are suspicious and an unknown amount of others are fraudulent in some way. While only a small fraction are considered to be dangerous, that’s enough to seriously impact users and businesses in a significant way. For businesses that have staff working remotely from home, employee education programs should be a top priority.
Coronavirus “Tools” Sold on the Dark Web
One way that cybercriminals are taking advantage of is by offering sales and discounts on tools that other nefarious users can put to work for the exploitation of the coronavirus. Tools to bypass security for email clients and browsers, methods of hacking into Facebook and other social media accounts, and other cyber “weapons” to be used against individuals who are communicating more with family and friends online. There has never been a better time for people to become more aware of cybersecurity and potential risks. Every area of your online experience needs to be examined, including email, social media, software, video conferencing, and other points of contact with coworkers and the outside world.
Another way that coronavirus outbreak exploits are growing is through bogus online retailers. Amazon has had to remove thousands of listings to protect their customers from fraudulent sellers attempting to sell popular items, such as toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant spray. Just about any item that is currently in demand by consumers has been exploited in some way. Fake listings on eBay and coronavirus-specific domains have seen consumers lose considerable amounts of money as they try to stock up on items and protect their family from this invisible threat. Masks and gloves, sanitizing products and tools, as well as laptops and home computers for education and work-from-home situations, are also trending right now, and cybercriminals are taking advantage.
Greater Boston Cybersecurity Solutions
Synivate offers a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that includes a strategic backup and disaster recovery plan, employee education programs, software solutions, and 24/7 monitoring and management services. Our team can work with your staff to provide video-based training and real-time support designed to prevent malicious cyberattacks on your business. If you have concerns about the safety and security of your business in the light of these coronavirus outbreak exploits and new remote work standards, contact our team. We can offer a FREE evaluation and deliver custom solutions and consulting that will help you to make sure that all of the proper programs, policies, and safeguards are in place to protect your business and essential data from cyberattacks.
We integrate and support IT solutions designed to address the unique and complex needs of your business. Our all-in-one services and solutions make it simple and convenient to evaluate and resolve all of your technology concerns and needs. Give us a call at 617-517-0704 to speak with one of our network security specialists about your business. We can provide you with the tools and services necessary to stop malware and exploit tools from harming your business by implementing proven Greater Boston cybersecurity programs. Call today to learn more about our services or to get started with business IT solutions, management, and support.