Tasks with Directions
In this Discussion Board we are going to deviate slightly from the syllabus. Instead of a discussion about the material covered in Module 10, I want instead to apply some of the concepts we have covered earlier to the present real-world situation. This discussion board covers the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and cyber security.
We have previously discussed how natural disasters, emergencies, and other large-scale disruptions to our daily lives provide opportunity for those wishing to conduct malicious activity. An emergency like the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic creates multiple cybersecurity issues for all of us personally and professionally in four areas: Fraudulent Charitable Donation Sites; Malware, Phishing; and, Fake News and Misinformation. These are discussed further below.
Fraudulent Charitable Donation Sites – Entities have already started to register domain names using the name “coronavirus.” In past events, some of these domains were being used for fake donation web sites. They may also be used for other less legitimate business purposes like selling overpriced supplies.
UN health agency warns against coronavirus criminal scams:
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/02/1058381Links to an external site.
Coronavirus email scams are trying to cash in on your fear:
Malware – Malware authors are always looking for new ways to get people to open their attachment or download malware. In the past, malicious videos and other attachments have been used to spread malware. Recently, live coronavirus maps have been used to spread malware.
Live Coronavirus Map Used to Spread Malware:
NOTE: the online map posted by Johns Hopkins University does not contain malware: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.htmlLinks to an external site.
Phishing – Phishing email is the number one way to get people to open malicious attachments, go to malicious web sites, or to provide information to further an attacker’s goals. Pause before you click. If anything seems out of the ordinary or too good to be true, verify before you act.
Nasty phishing scams aim to exploit coronavirus fears:
Fake News and Misinformation – Fake news and misinformation are not only used to influence elections. They can also be used by individuals and organizations – both internal and external – to sow discontent and unrest among segments of society. Be careful who you trust. There are plenty of people out there with opinions that are not based on facts. Think critically about what you read, see, and hear especially on social media platforms. While the Internet facilitates the spread of fake news and information, it also provides the means to verify whether something is true or false. Don’t let the emotions generated by sensational stories get the better of you. Sensible decisions are made based on facts not emotions. Take the time to verify the accuracy of information, particularly before you forward it on to others.
Coronavirus Misinformation Tracking Center:
https://www.newsguardtech.com/coronavirus-misinformation-tracking-center/#Links to an external site.
Exercise
Read the articles that are provided above concerning Fraudulent Charitable Donation Sites, Malware, Phishing, and Fake News and Misinformation. In your first post, address two questions:
- Have you personally experienced any of these four cybersecurity issues in connection with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic? If so, briefly describe your experience.
- Describe the steps are you taking to combat these cybersecurity issues.
I came across a number of internet threats during the peak of COVID-19 that played on people’s worry and informational needs. For instance, I came across letters requesting personal information regarding “pandemic relief funds” and social media posts claiming that specific home items could stop the infection. Whenever I needed information or updates, I turned my focus on visiting official websites and reliable news sources rather than responding to these messages directly. In order to improve my confidence in my online safety, I also took this time to look into my digital security methods, such as making stronger passwords and turning on two-factor authentication. I reduced the dangers of phishing and false information by being cautious.