COVID-19 has made us largely dependent on the internet. Businesses and public-sector organizations are increasingly offering or enforcing “work from home” policies, and social interactions are rapidly becoming confined to video calls, social media posts, and chat programs. Many governments are also disseminating information via digital means. This dependence has led to vulnerabilities in cyberspace and these vulnerabilities work as an opportunity for cybercriminals. They are trying to exploit fear and uncertainties.
![\"\"](\"http://covid19.server.nuformsocial.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cyber-security-3400657_1920-1-2-1024x614.jpg\")
Threat is serious
WHO in its recent report shows a fivefold increase in cyber attacks. Since the outbreak, data shows that every country in the world has seen at least one COVID-19 themed attack, and the volume of attacks seems to be increasing as fear and desire for information grows. Millions of targeted phishing messages, seen globally every day, roughly include 60,000 COVID-19 related malicious attachments or URLs. Attackers are trying to impersonate established entities like the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Department of Health to hack into inboxes.
![\"\"](\"http://covid19.server.nuformsocial.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hacker-1952027_1920-1-1024x597.jpg\")
The rising cases of cyber threats remind us of the warnings that the cyber world is not yet ready for pandemics. COVID-19 has led to technological transformation and this rapid, unplanned digitization increases the risk and impact of cyberattacks. The hackers will continue to target our growing dependence on digital tools. Hence, there is a need for a dramatic shift in perspective and adoption of safe and resilient technology
What can be done?
We should be prepared for a COVID-like global cyber pandemic that has the potential to spread faster and further than a virus, with an equal or greater economic impact. Businesses have to establish a culture of robust cyber hygiene, by providing appropriate resources to the workforce to manage access and monitor activity on critical assets. Governments can address cybersecurity in the post-pandemic world by working together to adjust national frameworks, increase international cooperation, and unify awareness campaigns. No one is immune to a cyber incident or one “bad click.” We must increase awareness at all ages and levels, regardless of industry. Our \”New Normal\” isn’t just about fighting the infection in every possible way, it’s about preventing such disgraceful incidents entailing it, for a cyber pandemic is probably as inevitable as a future pandemic.