With security resources and budgets stretched thin to accommodate remote workforces, cybercriminals were quick to capitalize on the increased attack surface and general uncertainty, striking with a 667 percent increase in coronavirus-related cyberattacks.
Organizations need to enhance current technical security controls to mitigate against the threat of deepfakes to the business. Training and awareness will also need revamping with special attention paid to this highly believable threat.
Expect the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic to bring lasting changes to our lives, from the way we authenticate identity to how we open doors – and even use public restrooms. If there’s a theme among these changes, it’s that they will favor contactless solutions. The use of biometrics to authenticate employees and customers has snowballed over the last decade. Expect demand from public and private organizations to grow even faster as they require accurate identification of workers, students, patients and many more people in response to new challenges resulting from the virus.
The Wall Street Journal recently stated that commercial burglaries have almost doubled in New York City since March 12 when a state of emergency was declared. Reason being, thieves are targeting nonessential businesses that have shuttered locations as a result of government directives or are robbing essential businesses that would likely have more cash on hand. Multiple retail organizations are also reporting an increase in shoplifting attempts and point of sale shrink since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak. In times like these, as a rise in theft, burglaries and other disturbances are expected, security is more important than ever.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) has introduced eight new members to the Youth Engagement Subcommittee.
A new survey on the current state of security operations center (SOC) performance has found that while some organizations have increased funding, the overall gains have been meager, and the most significant issues have not only persisted, but worsened.
Half of infosec professionals revealed that their organizations didn’t have a contingency plan in place, or didn’t know if they did, for a situation like COVID-19 or a similar scenario.
There is a trade-off between technology innovation and security. The adoption of emerging technologies like 5G will fuel the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) which are often built with basic security controls, creating a larger attack surface. At the same time, reliance on data means that data breaches can cause greater damage.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) launched the newest public education resources for the Go For Real Anti-Counterfeiting Campaign online.
CenturyLink, Inc. announced that Hugo Teufel has joined the technology company as its new chief privacy officer. As a noted expert in the field, he will advise the company on privacy and security issues and will work closely with CenturyLink’s sales, IT and security teams to help design, implement and refine strategic privacy initiatives throughout the company.