2020: Year of Increased Ransomware Attacks?

Cybersecurity may not be the first thing on everyone's mind during the year 2020, but it definitely shouldn't be the last. CrowdStrike reports that approximately 56% of all surveyed organizations have faced at least one ransomware attack within the 2020 year, with approximately 27% of these organizations paying the hackers to end it. Due to the pandemic we find ourselves in, cybersecurity experts predict an increased amount of ransomware attacks across the world, and many even believe that eCrime and cyberattacks can pose one of the biggest threats to businesses in 2021 and in years to come if not properly dealt with.

Additionally, by companies allowing most employees to work remotely from home, cyberattacks are even more likely to occur; without a VPN, antivirus program, or proper security measures, both personal and professional data are at more risk than ever before, something hackers are continuing to take notice of. As such, the fear for increased cyberthreats is justified and until employees return to a secure and safe network, their data will continue to be at risk.

To minimize risk, one should certainly follow proper cybersecurity guidelines such as not opening emails from unknown sources or downloading anything that seems suspicious. Moreover, using a VPN, secure wireless connections, or uploading work to different clouds to separate personal and professional data can help stop hackers in their trace, and help ensure they aren't rewarded for their efforts. 

While the year 2020 may almost be over, the long lasting impact of COVID-19 and its effect on both the real and digital world are far from disappearing.