COVID-19: Cyber security threats on the rise as people shift to online platforms

As the world grapples with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant shift towards online platforms for work, education, and social interactions. However, this increased online dependency has also opened up new opportunities for cyber attacks, as highlighted by Interpol. According to Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa, the lack of cyber defense readiness among businesses and individuals is a major concern. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Collard shared insights from the Cybersecurity Culture Study conducted by KnowBe4 Africa, which surveyed 120,000 users globally, including participants from South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia. The study revealed some alarming trends regarding the security culture in different sectors. Government institutions and educational organizations were found to have low levels of security culture, which is particularly concerning given the current reliance on online platforms for work and education. With the majority of the workforce and students transitioning to remote setups, the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures is more critical than ever. Collard emphasized the importance of instilling cyber security awareness as a life skill from a young age, considering the pervasive nature of online activities in today's digital world. As businesses and individuals navigate the challenges posed by the rapid digitalization brought about by the pandemic, Collard highlighted the vulnerabilities that arise from the shift to remote working. The sudden transition has forced organizations to expedite their digital transformation initiatives, leading to potential security gaps and increased risks. Personal devices being used for work purposes, shared networks, and the lack of traditional office security measures further compound the cybersecurity challenges faced by remote workers. Moreover, the human factor remains a crucial aspect of cyber defense, with cyber criminals exploiting psychological triggers to launch social engineering attacks. Collard stressed the importance of educating users on the common tactics employed by cyber criminals, such as phishing emails and ransomware attacks. Despite the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, Collard underscored the significance of reinforcing basic cybersecurity principles, such as patch management and strong password protocols. Investing in user education and awareness can significantly enhance an organization's resilience against cyber attacks without incurring exorbitant costs. In light of recent high-profile cyber incidents, including the ransomware attack on the UHS hospital chain in the United States, Collard urged businesses and individuals to prioritize cybersecurity hygiene and vigilance. While advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) hold promise in bolstering cybersecurity defenses, Collard emphasized the foundational role of human awareness and behavior in mitigating cyber risks. As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, proactive measures such as regular training, risk assessments, and incident response planning are essential components of a robust cybersecurity strategy. By fostering a culture of security consciousness and equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to detect and thwart cyber threats, organizations can better safeguard their digital assets and privacy in an increasingly interconnected world.