As the COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home restrictions loosen, people have begun to venture back into offices, schools, and other public places.  The pandemic created many challenges for businesses as they begin to return, such as social distancing within the office, employee health, and cybersecurity.  Cybersecurity is very important to factor into your return because it is very easy for bad actors to take advantage of people who are distracted by these many changes brought about by the pandemic.

The Threat

There have been rises in the number of cyberattacks thus far during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As employees shifted to work from home, they used their home network.  Home networks could cause an increase in malware attacks on home routers if they are not properly secured.  There may be a threat if malware infected an employee’s corporate computer while at home.  That malware may be hidden and only become active once reconnected to the corporate domain when the employee returns to the office.  Once inside a network, cybercriminals can cause more serious damage such as deploying ransomware attacks.  Many companies will face malware attacks if their business did not prioritize cybersecurity during the pandemic.     

Types of Protection

There are ways you can ensure your business stays safe during your return to the office.

• Endpoint Response. A proactive form of cybersecurity that monitors activity and enhances security for devices that access your network.  This can help recognize dangers from unusual activity.
• Cloud. The cloud is very secure when you have the right cloud service provider by your side.  Once in the cloud, aside from the many other benefits of cloud, businesses have their applications and data in a multi-tiered security network that is monitored and regularly tested for potential weaknesses.
• Patching. In cases such as with the pandemic, cracks can be created when home networks and desktops fall behind on regular updates and patches.  If your business is not in the cloud, computers and servers that were left in the office may have missed regular security upgrades.  Thus, it is important for IT teams to make sure all software is patched across all devices prior to office reopenings.
• Education. Informing and training your staff about proper cybersecurity is very important and can reduce the risk of any cyberattack.  People are vulnerable targets for cybercriminals, making phishing attacks or ransomware attacks easier.  Educate your staff to anticipate cyber dangers and prepare them to take appropriate steps.

Businesses need to consider the effect this pandemic is having on technology to ensure a cyber safe return into the office.  Revamping strategies and trainings to minimize cyber threats should be a priority for businesses as the pandemic has shifted the workforce around the world.

Hear what our clients have to say about their experience with Boxtop during the COVID-19 crisis.