Coronavirus: Check out Tips for Working from Home and Avoiding Hacker Attacks

The growing wave of quarantines and isolations due to the coronavirus pandemic increases the risks of hacker attacks, the European Union Cybersecurity Agency (Enisa) said on Sunday.

Coronavirus: Check out Tips for Working from Home and Avoiding Hacker Attacks

Among Enisa's basic recommendations so that work at home does not turn into a nightmare are:

1. Only use secure wifi networks;
2. Update anti-virus, anti-malware and firewall programs;
3. Run scans for viruses and malware before starting work;
4. Make frequent backups;
5. Block access to the computer if you are working in a shared place;
6. Avoid entering non-professional websites while working;
7. If possible, use different devices for professional and personal navigation.

Businesses must also guard against data hijacking and espionage by downloading clear rules for remote work.

For employers, Enisa recommends:

Clearly inform employees of the security rules for working remotely, determine who should be called in emergency cases and communicate schedules and contacts to everyone, give priority to the solution of security cases, implement encryption programs and electronic signatures and, if possible , provide computers exclusively for work, with security programs installed.

Attention to messages about Coronavirus

The European agency also warned of the increased risk that messages about the coronavirus have malicious programs for theft of data (phishing).

E-mails with attachments about the disease or asking to update passwords and other data are especially risky, and should only be accessed if the source is secure and confirmed.

The agency recommends not clicking on links or opening attachments without first confirming by phone or in person that the request is valid and the procedure is necessary.