While the pandemic’s influence accelerated the digitalization of many companies’ processes, others have not been that fortunate. Budget restraints and simply surviving economically, have unfortunately, left many other businesses’ networks in a ‘fragile’ state. Added to this, the work-from-home culture in many industries has perhaps led to more uncontrolled server access. Cyber criminals consider all of the above to be the best possible environments for them to thrive in. During those first months of lockdown we have seen their M.O. – to ‘cause chaos for financial gain’.

What are your cybersecurity protocols?

Whatever they are, remain vigilant because cybercriminals are using more sophisticated tactics, programming, etc.; even to the point of bringing back some old-tricks as ‘hooks’. Plus, they are now targeting people at home and at work, anyone and everyone are at risk!

Most common cyberattacks in SA:

Stalkerware

Stalkerware, also known as spyware, is software that has been illegally loaded to a device, to read messages, see what you are typing, track your location, and even eavesdrop on your conversations, and more. Pretty much everything you may have seen in the movies. Scary right?

Do not click on links in emails or install programmes (even Apps) that you do not know or trust. Double check every single App before giving it access to your phone.

Do not forget your home router

Did you set up your router’s password or did you use the one suggested by your ISP?

This is another route that cybercriminals are obtaining sensitive information to use against you. Set up this password yourself and make certain it is not something that could be easily guessed by an algorithm.

Ransomware victims are paying up but criminals aren’t restoring their data

Ransomware is a type of software that gains access to a device, computer, server, or network to encrypt critical data so that it is unusable by the victim. The cybercriminal then demands a sum of money as a ‘ransom’ in order to rectify what they have done.

While it seems like a quick fix to pay the ransom to prevent a PR nightmare, Statistics from Kapersky show that very few victims actually do get their data back.

Be very sceptical about every unknown email, check and double check addresses, and do not click on any link within Spam emails. Educate your staff and everyone in your household.

Phishing tactics are becoming more targeted and sophisticated

Phishing is a SPAM email that tries to convince an individual to click on a link that will download malware (malicious software) onto their computer, phone, mobile device or company network.

The various groups of cybercriminals are not pushing out untargeted mass SPAM emails anymore; they are taking their time to compile targeted, highly authentic-appearing emails that look legitimate. In South Africa, we have had over 600 000 phishing attacks in the second quarter of 2020 alone.

Sim swapping is back

Have you noticed that some banks have discontinued the One Time Pin verification process? As online shopping and multiple payment gateways have increased in popularity over the past few years, the ‘old-school’ tactic of sim swapping has climbed substantially as well.

Take away!

Assume that your business and home devices are always at risk. This way you can bring in the right software and measures to prevent vulnerabilities or lessen the gravity of incidents.

Domains.co.za is a domain registration and website hosting company based in South Africa. Apart from domain names and hosting we also provide our clients with a solution to get their businesses online – Sitebuilder, a solution to safeguard websites online – SSL Certificates and a solution to protect devices from cyberattacks – AntiVirus software.