With the threat of the Novel Coronavirus striking closer to home, we wanted to send out an update on the current security concerns around information available to the public and where you are looking to find that information as well as provide some security and best practice tips and tricks to keep you ready to act if the need arises.
Security Concerns and Issues
Scammers have begun sending phishing emails about the Coronavirus with the goal of infecting computers or stealing information. The email appears to come from the World Health Organization (WHO) and claims to provide new information on the virus and will contain a link or an attachment to access that information.
We have provided a 50-second video below that will help to keep you informed and prepared in case you are targeted by one of these attacks.
We have also created a social media graphic that you can share with co-workers, friends, and family.
Legitimate Informational Websites
- Center for Disease Control – Prevention & Treatment
- Center for Disease Control – Informational Overview COVID-19
- World Health Organization – Informational Overview COVID-19
- Austin Texas Government – Informational Overview COVID-19
Preparing To Work Remotely
You need to be able to serve clients under various scenarios, including those where employees need to work remotely or a significant percentage of the population is unable to work.
Here are some key tips to ensure that you are able to work from home in the event of an emergency:
- Contact your IT provider to get information on how to work from home.
- Prepare an area that will be used exclusively for work.
- Forward your work phone to your cell phone.
- If you have a laptop, make sure you take it home (with the charger) every day in case you cannot return to the office.
- Test working from home now, before the need arises, to verify you can access everything that you need.
We do not recommend that you install any freeware software that will let you connect remotely. This could be against policy and procedure and could introduce a security vulnerability to your infrastructure. Your IT provider most likely has a plan in place in case you needed to work from home.
As always, if you have any questions or need help you can reach out to us for advice. We are promoting safe and healthy work environments and want our clients, friends, and family to be safe during the next few months.
