One of the consequences of the Coronavirus crisis is the need to improvise and adapt companies’ IT ecosystems and management systems to remote work. The need to close physical workplaces, such as offices or coworking spaces, has accelerated this way of working, with all the risks this entails in terms of IT security.
Risk of suffering unauthorised access to our IT systems.
Cybersecurity remains a pending task for many companies, especially SMEs and self-employed professionals. Hackers or cybercriminals know that the current economic and health situation is an open door to numerous devices and IT systems that contain large amounts of information and that, at this time, are not being properly safeguarded.
Moreover, at present, company information is being handled by employees who use their own devices and internet connections.
Weaknesses in the security of these systems are the perfect call to action for cybercriminals.
Risk of phishing.
Phishing via email or SMS has increased considerably over the past month. Opening malicious links sent from fraudulent accounts can trigger numerous attacks and information theft.
Messages that supposedly come from Correos, the DGT, or the Ministry of Labour, with links or requests for information or payments, are just some examples of the most recent cyberattacks using this method.
Risk of information theft or data kidnapping.
On the one hand, we may suffer ransomware, that is, unauthorised access to data or files that are then encrypted and held hostage. Most commonly, a ransom is demanded in exchange for their release.
On the other hand, they may try to mislead us through, for example, an “internal” email from the organisation requesting data, access credentials, or providing a URL that we must NEVER open. We should question the authenticity of these messages and contact the “sender”.
Some consequences of suffering a cyberattack:
- Theft and/or leakage of passwords, documentation, personal or corporate data, private images and videos.
- Unauthorised access to social media, email accounts, or bank accounts.
- Identity theft.
- Reputation crisis.
- Legal issues.
- Financial theft.
- Fraud.
- Disclosure of secrets.
- Online harassment.
Prevention against a potential cyberattack is the best tool:
- Update the software on all your devices. Keep your equipment up to date.
- Use a different password for each service or platform you use.
- Log out of your devices when you finish using them.
- Use a secure VPN network.
- If you are using your own Wi-Fi network, use strong WLAN encryption.
- Protect your banking activity by using a device exclusively for banking apps.
- Do not fall for possible fraudulent messages you receive via SMS or email.
- Do not publish information or content that should be private. Take care of your family’s privacy and protect your company’s image. Irresponsible actions on social media can have consequences.
If you have suffered any attack on the security of your devices or passwords, or you know someone with problems, contact us.
At onBRANDING, we are experts in cyber investigation, digital identity, online reputation, privacy and cybersecurity, digital identity, corporate and personal digital identity protection, and protection of the identity of protected witnesses.