We all know that ransomware and phishing are huge challenges facing all businesses during normal times, but just to kick us when we’re down, there are scammers out there targeting our businesses during the coronavirus outbreak while we are all extra vulnerable.
Remember, SMBs are the victims of 43% of all data security breaches, with some forced to close as a result of a ransomware attacks. The loss of core IT infrastructure, essential data and business confidence forces clients to go elsewhere, and never has utilizing that infrastructure to keep business going, been more important.
We expect we’ll start to see companies approached by criminals to exploit the uncertainties and panic they’re feeling over their cash-flow stopping and their struggle to keep their businesses going.
Businesses are desperate for detail, what will happen, when, what money they’ll get and how. So, any information claiming to provide financial relief will lure users and business owners everywhere who may not think to stop and check it’s a legitimate source. One unconsidered click and you could be subject to a ransomware attack, corrupting all your data on top of all the other challenges.
That being the case it’s far better to take sensible cybersecurity measures to prevent a ransomware attack from succeeding in the first place. The Government’s National Cyber Security Center provides great online advice to protect businesses from cyber-crime. So, rather than frightening ourselves, instead, let’s focus on what we can do to protect ourselves and our teams.
- Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. There are currently no vaccines, pills or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores.
- Watch out for emails with attachments claiming to provide CV19-related information. For the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the World Health Organization or WHO (https://www.who.int/) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/)
- Watch out for texts and emails claiming to be Financial Institutions, Government (IRS) or other official organizations asking for bank details so that money can be transferred directly into your bank account or asking for a payment in order to hand over a much larger amount of money. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
- Never click on a link or an attachment unless you’re certain that it’s safe. This is exactly what the criminal is trying to get you to do, so be absolutely 100% sure that it’s genuine. If this takes some investigation such as a phone call to the sender, it’s well worth it. Always consult with your IT department when in doubt.
- Add Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) which will add an extra secure layer to your email account on top of usernames and passwords and makes it almost impossible for hackers to intercept.
And most importantly, share this information immediately with all your staff so they are all vigilant and don’t inadvertently create an additional major challenge for your business.
If you’d like our help to improve your business against cyber-crime or any other aspect of IT, give us a call at 831-644-0300 or drop us a line at hello@adaptiveis.net
Adaptive Information Systems was founded with the mission to help businesses get the most out of their technology investments. We are a Salinas IT company that provides technical support services for businesses in Salinas, Monterey and the surrounding areas, we are ready to manage your IT needs so you can focus on running your business.
831-644-0300