Your VPN could be putting working from home at risk
Cybercriminals have begun to scan for vulnerabilities in VPN software and remote working tools
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Security officials from the UK and US have revealed that a growing number of cybercriminals and other malicious groups are exploiting thecoronavirus outbreakfor their own personal gain.
In a recently publishedjoint advisory, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the US Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) warned that cybercriminals and advanced persistent threat (APT) groups are now targeting both individuals and organizations with a range of ransomware and malware.
Some examples of these scams include emails containing malware which appear to have come from the Director-General of theWHOas well emails which claim to offer thermometers and face masks to help fight the pandemic.
The agencies have also detected cybercriminals scanning for vulnerabilities inVPNsoftware and remote working tools that more people are relying on as they work from home during the outbreak.
Coronavirus cyber threats
As of now, the agencies have not seen overall levels of cyber crime increase but they are seeing a growing use of Covid-19 related themes by malicious cyber actors.
The techniques used by these attackers prey on people’s appetite for information about the outbreak with phishing emails and SMS messages using thevirus as a lureto trick people into revealing their credentials or downloading malicious software.
The NCSC and CISA have also observed cybercriminals scanning for known vulnerabilities inremote working toolsand software which shows that they are looking to take advantage of the surge in people nowworking from home. So far cybercriminals have tried to exploit the increased use ofvideo conferencing softwareby using phishing emails with attachments naming legitimate software to trick users into downloading malicious files.
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Director of operations at the NCSC, Paul Chichester explained in ablog postthat individuals and organizations should remain vigilant to the increased number of online threats, saying:
“Malicious cyber actors are adjusting their tactics to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic, and the NCSC is working round the clock with its partners to respond. Our advice to the public and organisations is to remain vigilant and follow our guidance, and to only use trusted sources of information on the virus such as UK Government, Public Health England or NHS websites.”
It is expected that the frequency and severity of coronavirus-related cyberattacks will increase over the coming weeks and months, so now is not the time to let your guard down.
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
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