VPN, antivirus, Zoom and more - these are the biggest searches of lockdown so far
Google searches grow for software
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
New data has revealed that some businesses are dealing with lockdown life better than others.
Security firm Redscan has revealed a report detailing the topGooglesearch trends since restrictions came into force several weeks ago, showing exactly what organisations are searching for online.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, software and remote working tools top the list, with queries aroundVPNsoftware, antivirus and collaboration tools such as Zoom all ranking highly as companies aim to help their workers be productive out of the office.
Make careless data decisions history with our dark web monitoring and alerts. Get Dashlane for seamless, private ‘interneting’ with 2FA (two-factor authentication) by default. Your privacy matters to us so that’s why there’s no limit on devices or passwords stored or shared.
Lockdown search
However Redscan also found that searches for “Business continuity plan” saw a huge spike between March 8 and March 21, far higher than any other time in Google’s history.
Search interest in “remote working”, “collaboration tools and “remote access” reached record highs in March, as did queries for “VPN” and “Antivirus”.
The report revealed thatZoomis currently the most searched online collaboration technology, ahead ofMicrosoftTeams, Slack and WebEx.
Despite a number of high-profile recent security and privacy issues, searches for all the top collaboration tools saw a significant spike in online search interest during the month.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
“Google’s search data tells a clear story of businesses trying to adapt to remote working and related security and technology challenges of greatest concern,” said Redscan CTO Mark Nicholls.
“A spike in business continuity plan searches is hardly a surprise, but it is also troubling to think that so many are Googling the term now. It suggests that many businesses did not already have a continuity plan in place, and now is hardly an ideal time to implement one. But better late than never.
“Ensuring that employees have the tools in place to work from home has been a priority of IT teams but it’s important that organisations are vigilant about the increased security risks and put appropriate controls and processes in place to mitigate them – such as ensuring that cloud platforms are appropriately configured and monitored.
Mike Moore is Deputy Editor at TechRadar Pro. He has worked as a B2B and B2C tech journalist for nearly a decade, including at one of the UK’s leading national newspapers and fellow Future title ITProPortal, and when he’s not keeping track of all the latest enterprise and workplace trends, can most likely be found watching, following or taking part in some kind of sport.
Is it still worth using Proton VPN Free?
Mozambique VPN usage soars as internet restrictions continue
Google TV will require more RAM for future upgrades – which might leave older TVs and streaming boxes behind
