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THREE FACTORS TO KEEP YOUR REMOTE TEAMS CYBERSECURE Werno Gevers, cybersecurity specialist at Mimecast discusses steps to safeguard against impersonators seeking to exploit customers, employees and partners on the web As employees across the Middle East join the world of remote working in response to the current pandemic, companies are having to urgently implement policies and processes to keep their teams cybersecure. Countries in the Middle East have now implemented strict lockdowns to curb the spread of COVID-19, with most only allowing people to leave their houses with permission. If organisations didn’t already have work from home policies in place, they’ve quickly had to implement them if they wanted any business continuity. There is a general escalation in cybercriminals’ activity during times of heightened disruption. Already, malicious actors are spreading disinformation with the sole purpose of SMARTSMB / May 2020
creating panic. Once panic settles in, rational thought goes out the window. And that creates gaps that cybercriminals exploit. Suddenly, there’s an increase in false specials and sales for in-demand products like face masks, hand sanitiser and protective gloves that are being promoted online. The Mimecast Threat Intelligence Centre has seen a large number of malicious emails impersonating trusted brands like the World Health Organisation and the Centres of Disease Control. Additionally, the Mimecast Brand Exploit Team found 59,700 spoofed coronavirus related websites in just two weeks. Even one mis-click on a link could initiate malware and put the user – and the organisation – at risk.
A combination of self-isolation and heightened tension also puts strain on people’s psyche which can lead to irrational or sometimes careless actions. People are desperate to find out more about the crisis and are letting their guards down, clicking on just about anything sent to them. When your entire workforce is working remotely, any careless action could have ripple effects across the organisation as security becomes vulnerable. Companies need to ensure they are looking after the cybersecurity of their remote teams, so those teams look after the cybersecurity of the company. Three factors should inform company policies and processes as they prepare for a swelling remote workforce:
