NTT Threat Report

 

According to the latest Threat Report from NTT (https://hello.global.ntt), There has been a significant increase in cyberattacks, as hackers seek to exploit Coronavirus-related panic.

Recent attacks include information-stealing malware built into a fake World Health Organisation (WHO) information app, while phishing emails have offered in-demand items like face masks and Coronavirus tests.

In addition, high-profile attacks have been launched against hospitals, the WHO and a COVID-19 test centre.  Hospitals in particular have experienced a wave of threats, at a time when resources are stretched and focused on saving lives.  Ransomware, encrypting applications and files until a ransom is paid, has been the main threat, along with attempts to steal financial information and patient medical records.

In the April NTT Threat Report (hello.global.ntt/en-us/insights), Danika Blessman, Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst, GTIC, NTT picks up on her discussions in the March report.  “COVID-19 will continue to be used as a lure – especially as around 2,000 coronavirus-themed websites are created every day – and will be for the duration of the pandemic.  New versions of these lures, targeting new countries will emerge using subjects such as ‘COVID Cure’ or ‘COVID Resurgence’.   As the number of COVID-19 cases and publicity rises globally, we expect to see both cybercriminals and possible nation-state actors increasingly exploit this global crisis,” says Blessman.

Remote working is new for many businesses, and in the report Jon Heimerl, Senior Manager GTIC, NTT talks about protecting the remote worker as well as issues such as privacy and sensitive information when staff are working from home but have flatmates/room-mates that can overhear conversations, and how this might impact compliance regulations or NDAs.  He also discusses whether we should disable our smart devices like Google Home or Amazon Echo as they have been known to pick up conversations and send them to Google and Amazon for analysis.