If you operate a remote workplace, you are probably well aware that your workforce is more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats due to the use of public WIFI, increased points of entry, and use of personal devices. While there are many security precautions you can take to increase the safety of your remote team, one of the most important is self- and employee-education.
If you work remotely, or employ people who do, it’s vital to be educated about the various types of cyberthreats that exists so you can easily spot scams. In this blog, we’re breaking down the most common risks.
Social Engineering:
Social engineering is the practice of tricking people into giving up confidential information, including passwords and bank information. These attacks are often engineered to look like an email from a trusted source like a friend, coworker, boss, or family member.
It can be difficult to spot this time of cybercrime, so the best and most effective way to prevent these attacks is to never give out confidential information via email or digital message.
Phishing:
Phishing, a sub-category of social engineering and an increasingly common method to steal confidential information, occurs when cybercriminals fabricate a legitimate business through fake websites or emails. They use these fake credentials to induce people into providing sensitive data such as banking information, passwords, and more.
Here are some ways to spot a phishing scam:
- While the website may look legitimate, it used a different URL than the real thing.
- You are asked to “verify” your confidential information by inputting it into a form.
- You are asked to donate or pay (usually this is guised as a fundraiser or cause).
- You are sent a notification that you have won a prize.
Malware:
Malware is a type of cybercrime in which a scammer tricks you into installing software onto your device. That software then allows them to access your files and personal information. There are many varieties of malware, but the most commonly used are broken down below:
- Ransomware prevents users from accessing their system and demands a ransom payment in order to give your access back.
- Spyware secretly records the usage of your personal device, including keystrokes, audio, and video.
- Remote Administration Tools (RATs): Allow complete control over your computer.
The best way to avoid malware is to never install unknown software onto your device.
Now that you’re aware of the most common malware attack methods, here are some tips to keep your teams safe while working remotely. You can also contact us to set up a free, no-pressure consultation with one of our remote IT specialists.
STEADfast IT offers bandwidth and connectivity, technology management, enterprise telephony services, cloud services, and more for businesses!
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