Experts are warning of a new wave of cyberattacks targeting Americans who are working from home during the coronavirus outbreak. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Department of Homeland Security's cyber agency issued an alert on Friday pointing to specific cyber vulnerabilities around working from home home versus the office. CISA zeroed in on potential cyberattacks on virtual private networks (VPNs), which enable employees to access an organization’s files remotely. These networks may make it easier to telecommute, but, according to CISA, they also open up a tempting way for hackers to get in. “As organizations use VPNs for telework, more vulnerabilities are being found and targeted by malicious cyber actors,” CISA wrote. The agency also noted that "malicious cyber actors may increase phishing targeting teleworkers to steal their usernames and passwords." CISA urged that organizations keep their systems updated and patched and be transparent with employees about the dangers of malicious emails, particularly those that use coronavirus fears to tempt individuals to click on them and download computer viruses.
Liz Lindsay
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