Computer Security and COVID-19

Not everyone thinks that these two things (computer security and COVID-19) have a lot to do with each other. Unfortunately, we can see a lot of examples of confusion during this time, and a change in the workday leads to imprudent decisions. Unfortunately, some people take advantage of this.

In this article, we share some simple precautions you can take if you are currently working from home.

Don't stress

This, perhaps, is the most important thing. And of course, that's easier said than done if there are restless children running around your legs while (between team meetings, half a cup of cold coffee, and dirty clothes) you try to open and read the emails in your inbox. But for most people, and especially right now, it's totally understandable that reaction time is slower.

So, when an email (supposedly) comes from the manager saying that 40,000 euros should be transferred to an account in Switzerland as soon as possible, or when a message (supposedly) from the National Health and Social Care Council says that you have a new 'Digital Mail' for you, remember to take things easy and ask yourself if this would be normal if there weren't a Coronavirus crisis.

If the answer is anything but a clear and unambiguous “YES”, then it's probably worth hesitating. Call the manager and ask them if they actually sent that email. Take a look at the message from the National Board of Health and Social Care and consider how often authorities contact you through this medium. And if you want to follow up, visit the Health Board's website directly, don't follow the link in the text.

Using the work computer

Often, private computers don't have a security level that matches the one in the workplace and are often also used by several people. In this case, it's not just your behavior that can affect the company, but also that of your family.

The most recommended and optimal would be avoid using your personal computer for work, and use the work computer for private tasks.

Use official websites

There are many websites that provide information about COVID-19, but not all of them are harmless. Los Cybercriminals are not afraid to exploit fear and confusion for people to do things they wouldn't normally do.

In addition, programs are also distributed that supposedly provide live monitoring of COVID-19 infection rates, but instead encrypt and lock the phone or computer and use them to spread malware, or require a ransom to decrypt them.

To prevent this from happening, we recommend that you visit the official websites of: The Ministry of Health, and if you are in Catalonia, the Generalitarian website.

Be skeptical of (unknown) senders

Most people already know to be alert if you receive an email or text from an unknown sender who wants you to click on a link or to provide information such as Social Security numbers, credit card information, and so on.

Now, this is becoming more important, since there is a increasing number of phishing attacks and of malicious attachments in countries heavily affected by Coronavirus. Unfortunately, it may also be necessary to protect yourself against apparently known senders, since it's not particularly difficult to make an email look like someone else's. It's also not hard to get a well-known link to point somewhere else - you can take a look at this example: https://www.google.com.

If someone asks you for something a little unusual or attaches something unexpected, remember that you don't have to stress and take immediate action. Maybe call or email us before doing anything with the suspicious email. If it's really an urgent matter, they probably called you instead of sending an email.

So don't panic and use common sense in these situations.

How can we help you?

If you need more information, do not hesitate to contact us.