The Covid pandemic is scary enough but add to that the possibility you WON’T HAVE ENOUGH TOILET PAPER, and we have the makings of a real panic! Cybercriminals exploit these uncertainties in ways that can cause you and your employees to let down your guard and let in harmful malware that can steal or sabotage your data.
“Just in Time” Supply Chain: What Could(n’t) Go Wrong?
A key culprit is the “just in time” supply chain philosophy used by manufacturers and retailers to maximize profits. Why spend on warehouses to store raw materials or finished goods when an internet-managed supply chain can deliver what you need, when you need it? What could(n’t) go wrong?
- A global pandemic leads to closed borders, quarantined workers, and real or artificial shortages.
- Low-paid workers would rather quit than contract a deadly disease. Who’s going to load and drive trucks, stock shelves, and do data entry to keep the system running?
- A cargo ship blocks the Suez Canal for a week. Your new laptop is chillin’ on a boat in Red Sea.
Opportunity for Cybercriminals = Risk for You
How can cybercriminals exploit these problems? Well let’s count the ways . . .
- “You have a package from New Zealand. Click on this TOTALLY SAFE LINK for tracking details.” #Phising
- Email says, “We’re hiring for work-from-home job positions. All you have to do is mail out MYSTERIOUS PACKAGES to people you don’t know.”
- “We’re calling to let you know you qualify for an additional government stimulus check. We need your BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION to direct deposit it.”
After a couple of years of weird, unexpected and downright terrifying events, even the most level-headed employee can give in to a moment of weakness and, with one click expose any connected accounts, data, or networks.
Protecting Yourself is Not Optional
As a responsible entrepreneur you must protect your business from this risk, but how? For starters, install ad blockers, firewalls, anti-virus software, DNS protection, and make sure to keep them all up to date on every company computer, and educate your employees about the latest cybersecurity threats. Don’t have the time or know-how to do all that? Contact Ascend Technology Group for a free consultation to see what we have to offer. Let us focus on what we do best, so you can worry less and focus more.
