BLUF
The cybersecurity threat continues to grow; therefore, it is essential to take preventative measures to reduce the damage that a cyberattack might cause.
Summary
Cybercrime cost the world as much as $1 trillion in 2020 (and could possibly reach $6 trillion in 2021). Some of the issues are:
- More people working from home in less secure environments increases the potential attack surface.
- There are more distractions at home.
- The blurring of work and home life with more screen time can cause mistakes.
- Criminals can buy ransomware and technical support online.
Criminal groups can:
- Work collaboratively.
- Share intelligence.
- Wait patiently for the time to strike,
- Use sophisticated social engineering tactics against fatigued and stressed remote workers.
What can we do:
- Use Edge Computing (bring data closer to individuals),
- Before pressing the send button, double-check addresses and attachments.
- Separate, as much as possible, work and home life.
- Ensure managers and cybersecurity personnel work together at the beginning of any project.
- Work collaboratively, internally and externally.
- Establish each individual’s cyber role so they are prepared if there is an attack.
Consider how you can improve the way you use computer systems to protect yourself against cybercrime.
References
- Australian Signals Directorate Protect yourself against cybercrime
- Nov 2020 Cyber crime magazine Cybercrime To Cost The World $10.5 Trillion Annually By 2025
- Jan 2021 Varonis 134 Cybersecurity Statistics and Trends for 2021
- Data Security
- Jan 2021 9News Increasing number of Aussies fear becoming victim of a cyber attack after COVID-19
- Feb 2021 Forensic First-of-its-kind Digital Forensics Facility Opens in Australia
- Feb 2021 CSO Australia’s COVID vaccinations a shot in the arm for cybercrime
- Feb 2021 SMH Taking on the rising cyber threat