Four Ways Disaster Fuel Cyberattacks

Businesses in all likelihood, already faces numerous challenges in today's tech-driven world.  However, the aftermath of an unexpected disaster can push an an organization to a breaking point.  This creates for cybercriminals to launch attacks, amplifying the chaos.

Disaster preparedness should be a top priority for all businesses by understanding how disasters fuel cyberattacks.  Proactively safeguard against these deceptive threats.

Understanding how disasters amplify cyberthreats

Let's look at four major cyberthreats and what strategies a business can utilize to bolster their cybersecurity in the face of adversity.

Leveraging diverted attention and resources

When a disaster strikes, the immediate focus shifts toward safety and recovery.  This diverts attention and resources away from maintaining and protecting any network.

With a reduced emphasis on cybersecurity, essentiial updates and monitoring may be overlooked leaving any network vulnerable to intrusion.  Cybercriminals seize this opportunity to compromise sensitive data and disrupt daily business operations.

To tackle this situation, establish a dedicated team to monitor and maintain cybersecurity, even during times of crisis.  Implement automoated security systems to scan for vulneratilities and continiously apply necessary patches.  Minimize the risk of cyberattackes even in todays' challenging times by ensuring cybersecurity remains a priority.

Exploiting fear, urgency, chaos and uncertainty

Prime conditions for cybercriminals to thrive.  They launch targeted attackes, such as deceptive emails or fraudulent webistes, capitalizing on the sense of urgency and the need for quick solutions.  By manipulating individuals into disclosing sensitive information, cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to critical systems.

Educate employees about the tactics used in phishing attacks and social engineering scams.  Train to recognize warning signs, such as suspicious emails or requests for sensitive information.  Encourage a culture of skepticism and verification, double-check the authenticity of requests before sharing confidential data.

Damaging critical infrastructure

Disasters can cause severe damage to critical infrastucture, compromising components integral to cybersecurity measures.  Destruction of servers, routers or firewalls can weaken a business defense mechanisms, allowing cybercriminals to exploit security gaps.

Ensure critical infrastructure has backup and disaster recovery in place.  Regularly backup data, store it securely off-site or in the cloud, and test the restoration process to ensure it functions smoothly.  Implement robust disaster recovery and continued business plans, including provisions for cybersecurity.

Impersonation and deception

Cybercriminals often exploit the trust associated with relief organizations and government agencies.  By impersonating these trusted sources, they deceive victims through phishing emails, messages or calls, tricking them into divulging sensitive information or engaging in fraudulent transactions.

To protect from such scams:

• Encourage employees to verify the authenticity of any communicaiton received during a disaster.
• Advise them to contact the organization or agency to confirm the legitimacy of any requests.
• Establish security awareness training programs to educate employees about common impersonation tactics.

By promoting a cuture of caution and verification, anyone can defend against impersonation and deception tactics used by cybercriminals.

Act now to safeguard your business

Now that we know how cybercriminals can target a business, prioritizing disaster preparedness and implementing proper measures are important in today's evolving technology.

Together, we can ensure a resilient and secure future.  Contact us today to safeguard what you've worked so hard to build.