As the COVID-19 outbreak forces more businesses to convert to a work-from-home model, many organisations find themselves in increased danger from hackers and cyber scammers.
Grant Hester, a 25-year technology veteran and president of insurance IT firm Linchpin-IT, said that companies need to exercise extra caution to avoid cyber threats during the outbreak.
“It is important during these times to stay vigilant of potential threats to personal data and business networks,” Hester said. “Potential threats come in two forms: unqualified service providers setting up quick remote access to business servicers, and phishing scammers gaining access to servers and personal information through links circulated via emails and text.”
Hester offered the following guidelines for companies vetting an IT firm to assist in converting their office to a work-from-home model:
“Agility is required right now to make important decisions that affect the future of businesses and employees,” Hester said. “Lean on established business relationships. Ask for advice and referrals. You might be surprised by what resources are already available to you.”