Cyber Attackers Are Exploiting Coronavirus Fears
Recently, Paul Rosenzweig shared his experiences as a government employee in the George W. Bush administration creating federal policies and procedures related to the preparation for, and response to, a potential outbreak of avian flu. Rosenzweig provides both a firsthand account into the “complexity of the questions that the government needs to address” when responding to a pandemic outbreak, along with insightful background for understanding recent response measures related to the new coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19.
Rosenzweig’s post serves as a thorough description of the health and safety concerns arising directly from the coronavirus itself. But both the government and the private sector must also address new and evolving ancillary threats: phishing attempts and cyberattacks taking advantage of the spread of the virus. These threats weren’t present during the avian flu scare, but they cannot be ignored now. If unchecked, they have the potential to damage business and administrative operations during an already serious health emergency.
