Cybercriminals Are Targeting Newly Remote Workers

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All information is based on our current understanding as of the date that it is posted. Please keep in mind this information is changing rapidly – it can and likely will change. Some information becomes outdated the same date it posted. Although we will monitor and update this page as new information becomes available, please do not rely solely on this page. We encourage you to contact your Scott & Company advisor for the latest information.

Around the globe, good Samaritans are rallying together in an effort to stem the tide of the coronavirus. It is an unfortunate reality, though, that some people choose to use crisis situations such as the one we currently face to take advantage of others.

With many companies transitioning their staff to remote work, there has been a rise in online scams targeting professionals working virtually. Many workers are not used to operating in a virtual environment and are susceptible to phishing scams as a result. Other issues stem from workers using home networks with fewer security measures than in the office. Additionally, organizations are experiencing an increase in attacks on IT infrastructure as cybercriminals know that IT teams and internet security companies are currently overwhelmed.

We strongly recommend that you take the time to review cyber-safety policies and procedures with your employees in order to safeguard your organization. Be sure to include the following:

  • Emphasize a “Think Before You Click” policy – Encourage your employees to double-check for suspicious email content before following any embedded links or downloading any attachments.
  • Educate employees about the marks of a typical phishing email – Phishing emails often appear to be sent from a high-level executive or a government office. They generally request that sensitive information be emailed or uploaded.
  • Encourage the practice of seeking verbal confirmation – Urge your employees to confirm any emails containing requests for sensitive data in person or via phone call in order to verify the authenticity of the requests.

Taking the time to make sure your employees are aware of the critical roles they play in protecting your organization’s data can go a long way in preventing you from falling victim to cybercrime. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your Scott and Company accounting advisor with any questions or concerns.