Page 39 - The Insurance Times July 2020

CYBER

CRIMINALS

RAMPING UP

PHISHING

ATTACKS AMID

COVID-19 CRISIS

I n mid-March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic was Maze attackers utilize multiple methods of intrusion to

exploding in the US, the attack came. Hackers hit the
breach systems and encrypt data, which locks companies out
Department of Health and Human Services with a
of their systems and can halt business operations. However,
breach of its systems, unleashing a disruption and
disinformation campaign designed to undermine the US there is an even more harmful risk in a Maze attack - the
perpetrators also threaten to publicly release confidential
response to the pandemic. and proprietary company information in order to extort a
ransom payment.
As the country's focus shifted to the health and wellbeing
of residents and healthcare workers, cyber criminals shifted Unfortunately, when a major event draws the attention and
into overdrive, launching an increased number of attacks. energies of the entire world, it is prime time for cyber
Conference app Zoom, now being used by people to connect criminals to wreak havoc. Almost as quickly as the virus grew
with friends, family, and coworkers, was the target of in the US, hackers were taking advantage of the COVID-19
repeated hijackings, or "Zoom-bombing" events in which pandemic, launching phishing attacks, trying to capitalize
hackers gained access to private chats and broadcast on the increased demand for information and guidance.
inappropriate material to all participants.
Those attacks are expected to continue to climb, particularly
At the same time, Maze ransomware attacks also increased. since more companies are encouraging employees to work
remotely during the pandemic. As of March 17, 2020, 88
About the author percent of companies were encouraging or requiring
employees to work from home. That means computer and
Danielle Roth network security measures, including security guidelines, are
Claims Manager, more important now than ever.
Cyber, AXA XL
With more employees working remotely, companies should

The Insurance Times, July 2020 39