impact of covid-19 on cybercrime, Corona virus new cyber weapon of choice. Currently, people around the globe are facing a global threat - Corona virus (COVID-19). A global lock down has been imposed due to COVID-19. Furthermore, there are closures of shops and malls, bans on travel, closures of offices, and control over the influx of people. The COVID-19 has forced many companies to close their doors and have their employees "Work from Home.". For their own safety and that of others. Day by day, more and more people are going home to quarantine. so, in this post we are going to know about impact of covid-19 on cybercrime.
impact of covid-19 on cybercrime
Types Of Cyberattacks Perform In "Corona Virus" Situation:
Malicious domains
In addition to "corona virus", "corona-virus", "covid19" and "covid-19", there are a good number of domains registered on the Internet using these terms.
As far as Corona virus is concerned, cyber criminals create many fake websites, stealing our information, stealing our money, attaching malicious attachments, and many other things.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are the most common form of cybercrime, and especially in this Corona virus situation, when people are searching for work, money, food, shelters, they use social engineering techniques and set up phishing websites and send phishing emails and SMS.
For example:
Hey In this COVID-19 government gives 1 lakh rupees donation to every people
Claim your 1 lakh donation from government Visit our website put your bank information and claim your
1 lakh rupee on this Corona virus situation.
https://sxycoronavirusbsbsgov.in
The money will be fully deducted from your bank account when you click on this link and enter the information bank details, OTP, and your personal documentation.
Your device should be hacked if you click any link and download any attachment. You will lose your data as well as your privacy.
Malware and Ransomware Attacks
The widespread global communication about Corona virus is being exploited by cyber criminals to mask their activities. Interactive Corona virus maps and websites have been found to contain malware, spyware, and Trojans. Additionally, spam emails trick users into clicking on links that download malware to their computers.
Cyber attackers can compromise your device by using malware attacks. They may install ransomware that will encrypt your data and lock your device once they inject it. If you do not take action when ransomware is injected, your device is permanently locked and encrypted.
Hacker sent you a text message on your desktop with the message: "pay $500 for unlocking your device we demand money to unlock your device"
impact of covid-19 on cybercrime
As a result of government restrictions imposed to combat the Corona virus pandemic, employees are inclined to work from home or stay at home while on sick leave. Due to this, both our working and personal lives have become increasingly dependent on technology. Even with the growing need for technology, many companies still do not offer virtual workplaces that are safe from cyber attacks
Cyber Attacks Effects On Corona Virus :
1] 350 cyber attacks in April 2020 in Switzerland.
2] Compared to a norm of 100 - 150 cyber attacks.
3] Cost of data breaches for companies have soared to $4.2 million per incident across the globe.
3] 4,000 Cyber Attacks a Day Since COVID-19 Pandemic.
5] There were breaches of personal data from video conferencing users between February and May 2020 that affected more than half a million individuals worldwide.
Tips To Secure:
1] Avoid clicking on any UNKNOWN messages with links/ install application from unknown sources
2] Be careful of who sent the message. Is it a person that you know? Be careful when downloading attachments
3] As soon as you receive any mail or SMS with an attached link, you must "Think Before You Click"
4] Protect Your Personal Information. You should not share your info with anyone or put any type of information on the internet using untrusted sources.
5] Never use public or open Wi-Fi. Hackers can easily sniff your data and steal your information
6] Use multiple strong passwords for different accounts. You can also use a password manager to manage your passwords easily. Change your password frequently within a period of four to six months.
7] Install Anti-Virus/Malware and Firewall Software
8] Always Keep Your Operating System and Software Up To Date.This will prevent any previous vulnerabilities
9] Use a firewall and strong router password authentication to secure your network
10] stay aware of cybersecurity. Employees should be briefed on best practices and procedures for regulating email transmissions to private email addresses and/or cloud storage.
11] Use a VPN.
12] Identify vulnerable areas.. There are weaknesses in every IT system. The most critical vulnerabilities should be identified and patched as soon as possible by companies.
13] Renew business continuity and crisis management plans. A company's business continuity plan should be reviewed periodically and cyberattack scenarios should be taken into account.
14] Management of risk. Improved risk management is possible with governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) solutions. By integrating various risk disciplines into GRC solutions, companies are able to get a comprehensive picture of their risk exposure.
15] Prepare for attacks. It is recommended that companies regularly simulate cyber crises to prepare for the possibility of a cyberattack in these high-risk times.
By Abhishek Joshi
CyberBugs