The world is increasingly connected, and so are the risks we face. While natural disasters can cause widespread physical damage, they can also have a significant impact on cybersecurity. With the rise of digital infrastructure, from cloud computing to the internet of things (IoT), there are more potential vulnerabilities than ever before.
The impact of natural disasters on digital infrastructure
Natural disasters can disrupt power grids, damage servers, and destroy physical devices. This can lead to significant data loss or downtime for businesses that rely on these systems. In addition, when people are forced to evacuate or work remotely, they may rely more heavily on their personal devices and networks, which can be less secure than those provided by their employers. This increased reliance on personal devices and networks can create new attack vectors for cybercriminals.
One example of this occurred in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The storm knocked out power to data centers in New York City, causing widespread internet and phone outages. Some companies were unable to access their data for several days, while others suffered permanent data loss. In addition, employees who were forced to work from home used personal devices and networks to access company data, creating new security risks.
The rise of phishing attacks during natural disasters
There have been multiple accounts of phishing attacks rising in the wake of a natural disaster. The proliferation of QR codes during COVID-19 led to what was coined “the scamdemic.” There was an increase in cyber-attacks and frauds, particularly phishing attacks. Cybercriminals take advantage of the chaos and confusion following a disaster to launch targeted phishing campaigns. For example, they may send emails purporting to be from disaster relief organizations, asking recipients to click on a link to donate money or provide personal information. In reality, these links may lead to malware or phishing sites designed to steal sensitive information.
In 2018, Hurricane Florence hit the southeastern United States, causing widespread flooding and power outages. In the days following the storm, researchers observed a surge in phishing attacks related to hurricane relief efforts. Cybercriminals sent emails claiming to be from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or other relief organizations, asking recipients to donate money or provide personal information. Some of these emails contained malware or links to phishing sites designed to steal sensitive information.
Natural disasters increase risk of ransomware attacks
Natural disasters can also increase the risk of ransomware attacks. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s data and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. In the aftermath of a natural disaster, businesses may be more willing to pay a ransom to recover their data quickly. In addition, cybercriminals may take advantage of the chaos and confusion following a disaster to launch ransomware attacks.
In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack affected hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide. While the initial spread of the malware was attributed to a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows, the attack was exacerbated by the fact that many businesses and organizations had not patched their systems. In the aftermath of a natural disaster, businesses may be even less likely to have up-to-date patches and security measures in place, making them more vulnerable to ransomware attacks.
So, what can individuals and organizations do to protect themselves from the cybersecurity risks associated with natural disasters? The first step is to have a disaster recovery plan in place that includes provisions for cybersecurity. This plan should include regular data backups, so that if data is lost or encrypted in a ransomware attack, it can be quickly restored. In addition, the plan should include procedures for remote access to data and systems, so that employees can continue to work from home or other remote locations if necessary.
Employee education in natural disaster preparedness
Another important step is to educate employees about cybersecurity risks and how to avoid them. This includes training on how to recognize phishing emails and how to use personal devices and networks safely. It’s also important to ensure that all devices and software are up-to-date and have the latest security patches installed.
Finally, businesses and organizations should consider partnering with cybersecurity experts who can provide guidance and support during and after a natural disaster. These experts can help assess vulnerabilities, implement best practices, and respond quickly to any security incidents that occur. By working together, businesses and cybersecurity experts can help mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters and protect sensitive data and systems.
Natural disasters can have a significant impact on cybersecurity, but there are steps that individuals and organizations can take to protect themselves. By having a disaster recovery plan in place, educating employees, and partnering with cybersecurity experts, businesses can minimize the risk of data loss, downtime, and cyber attacks. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, it’s more important than ever to be prepared for all types of risks, both physical and digital.
