Are you Teleworking Now? Watch out. Cybersecurity risks are everywhere!

While currently experiencing very uncertain times, one thing that has remained certain is the use of internet. Now, more than ever, people all over the world are depending on the web for essential everyday duties. Some employers have been able to keep their doors open by transitioning to working online. However, there is a downfall to this alternative. The recent spike in online activity has led to an increase in cyber security attacks.

Earlier this month, Phoenix TS posted a blog about cloud security. The blog entitled, Head in the Cloud? Time to Face Cyber Security Reality, warns of the risks associated with using cloud. Some of these concerns include cloud advancements, connection problems and a lack of cyber security professionals. Yet, due to mandated social distancing, additional problems are emerging. Cyber attackers are using the COVID-19 epidemic to exploit teleworkers. Last week, Alyza Sebenius and Kartikay Mehrotra collaborated on an article for Bloomberg called, “U.S., U.K. Issue Alert on Growing Use of Covid-themed Hacks.” According to the article, “…phishing emails more than quadrupled over the month of March…” (Mehrotra and Sebenius). The article also cites other malicious activities such as espionage, ransomware, malware, (VPNs), scams and network intrusions. (Mehrotra and Sebenius) The article goes further to explain that the coronavirus has caused an “unprecedented” amount of cyber security challenges. (Mehrotra and Sebenius)

There is no question that there is a serious need for cyber security education right now. Learning about cyber security can help protect your information and prevent your company from facing major consequences in the future. Phoenix TS offers courses that can help you do just that. Their online Cyber Security Awareness course provides a general overview of cybersecurity and how to protect systems while teleworking. The course tackles how to recognize cyber attacks and the correct actions to take when an attack has occurred. Those who participate in the course will learn about different types of cyber attackers, who they attack and their motivations for attacking. After that, students will be introduced to common cyber-attacks for teleworkers. For instance, the students will be able to view real life examples of phishing, watering holes, and man in the middle attacks. These real-life examples will demonstrate ways to identify these different attacks so that teleworkers know what it is that they are looking for. Finally, the students will learn about defenses for teleworkers and incident response.

Unfortunately, we do not know when social distancing will end. The spread of the COVID-19 virus has made teleworking the new norm. It is important that you stay informed and ensure that you and your company stay protected.

Sign up today for the Remote Worker Security Awareness Course at Phoenix TS and get the training you deserve!

Call 240-677-7757 or email Training_Solution_Specialist@phoenixts.com training and certification specialist for more details.

Source: Sebenius, Alyza, and Kartikay Mehrotra. “U.S., U.K. Issue Alert on Growing Use of COVID – Themed Hacks.” Bloomberg, Bloomberg L.P., 8 Apr. 2020, www.bloomberg.com/cybersecurity.