Reducing Risks of Computer Virus Attacks in Hybrid Work Environments

The era of a hybrid work environment is here, and there is no turning back. The increased flexibility and other benefits come with a price–one that we can still afford to pay. From malwares, virus attacks, to system hacks, there are ways that we can reduce the risks and keep our computers safe and secure.

Hybrid Working Environment

The pandemic is coming to an end, but some of the changes that come with it are here to stay. The hybrid working environment has become a new normal that allows workplaces to function efficiently, both in the office and at home. With hybrid working, the risk of cybersecurity is bound to continue in the years to come–computer virus attack, malwares, hacking, you name it. Even worse, with further adaptations to perfect the working arrangements, the window of vulnerability may get wider for attackers to slip through. With all the benefits and convenience that come with hybrid working, there are also risks that companies need to consider carefully.

Common Risks in a Hybrid Work Environment

In a hybrid working environment, the most typical risks are related to cyber-attacks and malware. Here are some of the most common risks in a hybrid working environment:

1. Malware from Removable Storage
   With hybrid working, employees need to constantly move data from one computer to another, from home to office, and from office to home. The data needs to be mobile to ensure easy access and practicality. To do this, one of the most common ways is to use thumb drives, mobile phones, and other removable storage devices. However, this carries a risk of spreading malware into your corporate computers. When a device is infected with malware or a virus, it can infect other PCs when plugged in. When a corporate laptop is infected with malware, it can gain control of administrative accounts and get important private data. Even worse, certain types of malicious malware can crawl into the system as a whole and hack the system from within.


2. Social Engineering Attacks
   This refers to the psychological manipulation of users to perform actions desired by the attackers. Social engineering attacks encourage users to interact with the attackers and trick them to give away confidential information. One of the most common examples is spear phishing emails targeting C-suite, Finance, HR, and more. Social engineering attacks usually happen in a few steps, from investigating the desired victims, hooking the victim into the loop, acquiring the desired information, and lastly, deleting any traces of their crime. Some samples of social engineering attacks include:

   a) sending resume to talent acquisition containing a malicious payload

   b) prompting the user to click a link that leads to spyware, virus attack, or worms

   c) use the vulnerability in the browser to place malware in the computer



3. Software Supply Chain Attacks
   This attack refers to a cyber attack against a company’s weak link that may be found in the software or solutions used by the company. In this case, a software provider may have been infiltrated, which compromises its software program even before it was sent to the customer’s company. When the software is installed in the company’s system, the compromised software will continue to compromise the company’s system as a whole. This will then affect all users of the infected software, and ultimately, bring consequences to the companies using the software. One of the most popular software supply chain attacks happened in 2012 on Solarwinds Network Performance Monitor.

How to enhance Cyber Security?

With all the risks and consequences, it is important to protect your company from cyber threats before it occurs. Here are some ways that you can enhance the cyber security of your company:

• Educate employees on security awareness
• Empower them to work remotely yet securely
• Invest in the right technology
• Implement a proactive security protection system

About Adventus IT Innovations and Our Services

Adventus IT Innovations is a leader in ICT Solutions & Services with a wide footprint in Singapore and Asia. We aim to help organizations bring positive transformations to their businesses through the intelligent applications of innovative solutions and pertinent services. Some of our services for cyber security includes:

1. Cyber Security Assessment
   We analyze your company’s cyber security situation as a whole, provide a thorough understanding for you, identify vulnerabilities, and lay the groundwork for future improvements.


2. Threat Detection & Response
   We combine security information & event management solutions with security operations center services. This way, we can provide 24/7 proactive threat monitoring, detection, investigation, and mitigation.


3. Cloud Security Service
   To achieve business objectives, our team will also develop an integrated set of security strategies, technology solutions, services, and processes. This will ensure that your data is always well-protected and kept safe.

Conclusion

The hybrid working environment is here to stay. With the ease and convenience that it brings, companies need to be more cautious of the risks that hybrid working brings. To protect your business, you have to ensure that your system and data are safe and secure. Adventus offers the best IT solutions in the industry, from cyber security assessment, threat detection, cloud security, all the way to ransomware recovery plans. While hoping that we do not ever have to deal with cyber security issues, you should still be prepared. Entrust your business in the best possible hands with Adventus’ cyber security services. From running security analysis to recover your data after an attack, learn more on how you can protect your company with our experts today.