Businesses around the world are proving their resilience during the current state of pandemic brought on by Coronavirus or COVID-19 by embracing remote work. Traditional commuters are now connecting remotely to their office networks and using video conferencing at an increasing rate. This sudden change is proving to be a challenge for broadband Internet providers worldwide by increasing traffic and straining their systems like never before.

While employees are staying home, their servers and systems remain and continue to operate around the clock. On-site and cloud infrastructure provide the necessary resources to maintain business operations and continue to be primary targets for criminals and hackers. 

How Does A Rise in Remote Workers Effect Cyber Security?

Telecommuters are unknowingly introducing new threats to their company’s systems by using unpatched and often unprotected home computers. When systems lack even the most fundamental layers of protection such as updated antivirus or other protective software installed, they can pose a significant threat to your corporate network when connecting remotely. One example is VPN connections, which is essentially like connecting a long cable from your home computer to your office systems and allow malware or even ransomware to spread easily.

Due to the sudden nature of the coronavirus induced national emergency, many remote access methods were implemented hastily and without regard to security. Remote Desktop Protocol or other misconfigured remote access software can allow hackers easy access.

During the past few weeks, Corsica Cybersecurity’s Security Operation Centers (SOCs) have seen a spike in cybersecurity attacks on business networks. Cyber attackers have a wide array of tools they use to probe our systems and identify exploitable vulnerabilities.

[Review Our 9 Common Signs of Phishing Attack]

Attackers are increasing their use of Phishing emails disguised as Coronavirus information; these emails contain ransomware or other malicious software. Websites providing virus information or infection maps have been compromised and are installing malware on computers that visit the site.