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As the COVID-19 Pandemic curve continues to dictate how we work and live, a new normal is here, and alongside it, a new host of Cybersecurity threats
The COVID-19 pandemic has proved that life will never be the same again and we are now in a new normal. With that, cybersecurity industry has also changed and needs to adapt to the new threats that have come up.
Cybercriminals are fine-tuning their tools of the trade to fit in the current environment. For instance, hackers are now shifting their focus from the well-protected corporate environments to offsite locations and home offices that lack similar robust protection. If it is anything to go by, the current phishing attacks alongside other tricks are here to stay.
In this article, we explore some of the most likely cyber threats you might face while working from home during our new working environment and what you can do about them.
Sustained Cyber Threats on Video Conferencing Service Providers
It goes without question that the current spike in the use of video conferencing services, such as Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet by most organizations, has attracted cybercriminals in equal measure.
Unscrupulous actors are now taking advantage of the loopholes presented on such platforms; hence, putting businesses at risk. Thus, you need to be on the lookout for any security challenges that might come your way if you like using video conferencing platforms.
Attempts on your Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
Over the last few months, most employees have shifted from their traditional office setups to work from home arrangements, resulting in increased use of the Remote Desktop Protocol. Sadly, most of them have a weak identity and access management system in place and do not understand the importance of two-factor authentication, making them easy targets. With a simple brute force login attack, hackers can gain access to their home offices. Such types of attacks are likely to skyrocket in the coming days.
Increase in the number of sophisticated attacks
Cybercriminals are upping their game to take advantage of the unfolding events. As a result, issues ranging from targeted campaigns to automated opportunistic attacks will rise. Let us now take a look at some of the security measures you can put in place to safeguard your remote office from malicious actors:
1. Adopt more security measures
To guard your home office against the ever-increasing swarm of cybercriminals and complexity of cyberattacks you need to incorporate more robust security measures. If you’re starting out, you can use your company’s security software if yours is wanting. Additionally, you may have to incorporate transmission security software that encrypts your data before transmission to prevent its interception by a third party.
Finally, powerful internet security software also comes in handy as it helps protect your home office against cybercriminals and malware. For instance, it looks at data that enters your devices from the net and flags down any suspicious behavior or known threats.
2. Use of an Endpoint security Solution
Having a robust security solution that performs its duties, as well as takes care of other vulnerable IOT devices, can provide you the much-needed convenience. For instance, by implementing a software solution that fixes potential issues on your gaming consoles, social media handles, and smart appliances before they sneak into your home office–especially if the gadgets have a shared network access point. Installing a robust Endpoint security measure allows data integrity and a smooth work from home experience that is free from security threats.
3. Get an understanding of the existing Cybersecurity threats and ways of preventing them
Firsthand knowledge about the current and possible future Cybersecurity threats and how you can prevent them makes up the next step towards safeguarding your System from potential harm. Having your organization’s code of conduct and related rules at your fingertips can come in handy, especially when deciding your next course of action.
- Regularly check if your deployed security measures are still useful
With the ever-changing cyber threat patterns, you have to be cautious about your computer/home office protection. It is important to check the effectiveness of your installed security measures on a continuous basis. For instance, if they are holding up, since each new day presents a set of its own challenges. What works today may not work tomorrow. A regular check would allow you to identify any existing vulnerabilities. As a result, enable you to change or upgrade your security system if the existing one doesn’t measure up.
5. Assess your System’s capacity or capability of recovering from disastrous cyberattacks
To safeguard your precious data, you need to ensure that your security system is well-armored; so that it can overcome massive attacks such as widespread ransomware. A good measure for such is your System’s capability to reinstate its entire IT infrastructure back up and immediately resume operations after a disastrous attack. You can test this by putting your System under vigorous tests by simulating extreme scenarios.
6. Use of strong authentication
With the existing powerful technologies at the disposal of cybercriminals, simple password combinations can be overrun within seconds. To reduce your home office system’s vulnerability, you can follow a firm password policy on their length, complexity, and expiration. Similarly, you can install multi-factor authentication to guard against the exploitation of your stolen passwords.
7. Use of an automated network protection system
With today’s sophisticated attacks, a robust security solution that; quarantines infected devices, isolates malicious traffic, and takes care of vulnerabilities in a prompt manner is convenient. As such, investing in an automatic security system that can immediately jump into action is recommendable.
8. Vet your service provider’s security effectiveness
Before procuring a provider’s security service, it is worthwhile to take a keener look at its salient features. For instance, the security features’ effectiveness, since security weaknesses from their end, can lead to massive data and cyber breaches.
Final thoughts
Cybersecurity should always remain a top priority when working from home thus, you must not let down your guard.
At ESET, we provide Cybersecurity solutions configured to support all organisational teams. What’s more, our software comes with helpful support and a winning strategy for your business. Request for a trial today and see how the platform can boost your business operations.
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