As if we didn’t have enough going on. Argh, the hackers have taken their efforts to obtain our sensitive information to extreme levels in the weeks since the pandemic struck. We’ve talked about Digital Spring Cleaning recently, yet this post is more specific to the craziness of hackers in our current times.
With so many of us at home now, it unfortunately has become an opportunity for the hackers to strike. This leaves us, our personal information and our work information at risk. Video conferencing on Zoom, Meetup, Skype, Hangouts and more have also been a source of hacking, although most of the stories I’ve heard about involve “hijacking” meetings. Pay attention to all security measures at home for personal and business related online activity.
At personal risk is a hacking scam surrounding two factor authentication. Yes, 2FA , as it’s called is now a hackers paradise. People pretending to be with your bank, investment firm, the IRS and more are calling to ask if they can send you a one time code. While the lingo (one time code) sounds “normal”, this is not normal. Do NOT give any personal information over the phone to someone. Be watchful of emails and double check the URL address to make sure it matches the “name, company name” or other personally identifying information it says it is. They are counting on us to be stressed out, short on time and not pay attention 🙁
For businesses, security is particularly tricky. Office 365 and Gmail accounts are receiving an abundance of phishing emails. If the link is clicked, it’s big trouble as the hackers get in to “grab and go” with as much information as possible. With people forced to work from home, access became a big issue to keep businesses that could be in business, stay in business. Companies opened up their servers to permit access and/or information was uploaded to the cloud.
Workers in a company environment have protective access; when this is lifted to allow access from home a protection layer is eliminated. The IT staff isn’t onsite with you at home and access to them may be limited. Workers are unaccustomed to lesser security layers and may be less likely to “be on guard”, anxious to get work done.
These are risks the hackers count on. From reports this week, phishing schemes are up 300%! This impacts all people at home. These schemes are getting more sophisticated over time. COVID-19 themed emails are on the rise. We may be drawn into the moment and click on links sent. BEWARE!
Another area to watch for all of us at home is your WIFI access. Are you using a hardwire access or accessing the internet through a WIFI network? Pay attention, as lots of malware comes into Windows systems through maleware “picked up” through the internet.
Do you have a security monitoring program for your home equipment? Whether you’re hardwired or using WIFI, many programs allow monitoring of both with one program. If you have not set up an automatic scan, remember to manually scan daily.
Yes, challenges make for an interesting life and in our ability to come through the challenges indeed brings meaning. The “admin side of life” includes a whole lot more than we traditionally think about. My work is extensive for people and businesses to explore the various components of what will you do when/if? what ‘s being done now? what protection is in place? what gaps exist between what is and what’s needed? and how best to fill them.
If you or someone you know would benefit from working with me individually, for their employees or companies, contact me via Email or check out the website @ The Living Planner for additional information.
Stay safe everyone personally and vs. hacking. –Lynn
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