How to Deal with COVID Related Online Security Concerns?

Digitization on one hand has reformed the world for good. But on the other hand, it has also led to a rise in online data security theft. COVID-19 has been the one major cause that pushed more sectors, including the retail market, to go online. And quite naturally, these new businesses were certainly not prepared to deal with hacking threats. The online security concerns that stemmed out of this under preparedness increased the rate of phishing by almost 300% in 2020. 

Hackers started finding weaker links in the supply chain to steal identity and cryptocurrency wallet details of users that led to hefty monetary losses. The one thing that was determined was the fact that most online proofs were in the form of digitized photos and digitized identify cards. Hackers then used COVID themed phishing attacks to convince users to either purchase santinitzation items from a malicious website or click on emails that looked like they were coming from WHO. When the user did any of these two, the identity and other details were instantly stolen.

Now that we have explained how hackers made little tweaks in the ways to dupe web users, it is time that we also take you through a couple of techniques that can protect your devices from security breaches of the similar kind. Have a look. 

1. Router Management Tips for Remote Workers

When working from home, you need to understand that it’s not just one device that is connected to the router, but many. If we talk about an average household, there would be no less that 10 smart appliances connected to the router – mobile phones, tablets, air pods, gaming stations, ipads, ipods, smart appliances like a TV and refrigerator, and security surveillance cameras. Shocking, right? 

You might not have noticed this earlier, but now that we have mentioned this, here are the things you should bear in mind. 

• Check the router for updates manually. 
• Patch the router from time to time. 
• Do not forget to reboot the router since rebooting is able to get rid of any malware that might be stealing your data secretly. 
• Create separate logins for guests. 
• Create a separate login for the work system.

2. Implementation of 2-factor or Multi-factor Authentication 

2-factor authentication means using 2 more security layers for system protection after the backdoor password. And MFA means at least 3 or more such security layers. 

Remember, every authentication factor – after the backdoor password is breached – will have to be cleared to get entry inside the system. Thus, enabling MFA or 2-FA will double and triple the cyber safety of the devices. 

So, if you’re smart and you do realize how important it is to follow cybersecurity protocols, you will definitely adopt all the security techniques that we have listed above.