Pandemic and Cyber risk, incidence of COVID-19 in cybersecurity
COVID-19 has expanded cyber risks through remote work, weakened security perimeters, and employee stress. Learn how to reduce insider threats and strengthen resilience during crisis periods.
Pandemic and Cyber Risk: The Impact of COVID-19 on Cybersecurity
The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 has had a clear impact on the cybersecurity sector, and particularly on internal risk management.
The rapid need for organizations to decentralize operations — sending staff to work remotely, distributing work locations, and relying on non-corporate infrastructure — has increased exposure to:
- Information leaks
- Loss of know-how and intellectual property
- A surge in digital fraud across multiple channels
Even when company-issued devices are properly secured, the same cannot always be said for:
- Home networks
- Communication tools
- File storage systems
This risk affects all employees — from those managing critical systems to those handling strategic information and GDPR-protected data.
Main Risk Factors During the Pandemic
- Blurred Security Perimeter Remote work often involves terminals, software, networks, and file-sharing systems outside the company’s secure IT environment, weakening the traditional security perimeter.
- Increased External Threat Activity Hackers, hacktivist groups, and organized cybercrime are actively exploiting pandemic-related vulnerabilities.
- Employee Stressors Isolation, job uncertainty, demotivation, anxiety, or boredom can impact decision-making and security awareness.
- Each person’s psychological response differs.
- Understanding individual needs and providing targeted support is essential to reducing insider risk.
Why This Matters
In a prolonged quarantine scenario, the combination of weakened security controls and heightened stress levels creates a perfect storm for insider risk. Proactive measures are required to:
- Support employees psychologically.
- Ensure awareness and adherence to cybersecurity protocols.
- Reinforce the organization's overall cybersecurity posture.
Kymatio’s Role
Kymatio’s team of experts has launched a series of articles detailing how organizations can prepare for emerging and evolving risks in an interconnected, globalized world — and specifically during exceptional events like COVID-19 lockdowns.
Contact Kymatio now to strengthen your organization’s cybersecurity posture and reduce insider risk during crisis periods.
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