Teleworking increases Phishing attacks
A Phishing attack basically consists of a bait that a cybercriminal launches in order to steal passwords or information. For example, we receive an email that pretends to be from a platform such as Netflix or from a social network such as Facebook. It alerts us to an alleged problem and asks us to log in. The problem is that, by doing so, we send the password to a server controlled by the attackers.
The telecommuting has made these types of attacks grow. According to a report by the Palo Alto Network, they have seen how the number of Phishing web pages has grown considerably at the same time as remote work has done.
Why is this happening? One of the causes is that workers, at least a large part of them, have begun to connect through networks that are not protected by a firewall, to use personal computer equipment that can be protected and, ultimately, not to navigate with such security. In addition, at home we have many computers connected by Wi-Fi and not all of them are protected.
Sectors most affected by Phishing
If we focus on what have been the Economic sectors that have suffered the most Phishing attacks, we can name telecommunications, high-tech industries, agriculture, education, public administration, transportation, logistics and media.
In one way or another, all these sectors have increased the number of remote workers in the last year. Many of them have had to quickly adapt to a reality for which they were not prepared both in terms of knowledge and technical equipment.
This has made them vulnerable to possible attacks. For example, an employee who has had to start using services such as Zoom or Skype to stay in touch with his colleagues, he has been able to suffer Phishing attacks that aim to steal the passwords of these platforms.
Now, what can we do to protect ourselves from Phishing? Without a doubt the best advice is common sense. We must avoid making mistakes that could affect security and privacy. For example, be very careful with the links that we open. You never have to log in through a link that comes to us by email, social networks or any messaging program such as WhatsApp. They tend to send, for example, insecure shortened links.
Also, another interesting tip is to always have security programs to protect us. A good antivirus, such as Windows Defender, Avast, Bitdefender or any other, can help us protect the system and prevent the entry of malicious software.
On the other hand, another point to keep in mind is to always keep the updated equipment. Attackers often rely on vulnerabilities in order to launch their attacks and steal passwords. If we have all the patches installed we will be more protected.
