DIGITAL DEFENDERS: THE COVID-19 CATALYST IN CYBERSECURITY EVOLUTION
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 in late 2019 and its subsequent declaration as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in 2020 have had a profound impact on societies worldwide. As the world adjusted to the "new normal," discussions surrounding the coronavirus family and its effects became prevalent globally. This paper aims to explore the far-reaching consequences of COVID-19 on cybersecurity. With governments implementing physical distancing regulations and imposing lockdowns to mitigate the spread of the virus, the first wave of infections prompted a surge in cyber threats. Ghana, for example, enforced a month-long lockdown in its capital city due to a rapid increase in cases. The primary focus of this study is to investigate the realm of cybersecurity and analyze the influence of COVID-19 on this domain.
During the ongoing second wave of the pandemic, there is significant uncertainty among the general public, with an abundance of both accurate and fake news circulating. Corporations are seizing the opportunity to advance their agendas, while cybercriminals seek to exploit the pandemic for personal gain. This paper examines the current threats faced by internet users and provides guidelines to mitigate these imminent risks. As society has adapted to the "new normal," cybersecurity experts have assumed the responsibility of safeguarding the public, as cybersecurity is now considered a public service. Consequently, there has been a surge in daily cybersecurity attacks targeting the general population. However, public awareness and vigilance regarding cybersecurity remain inadequate. Therefore, there is an urgent need to educate the general public on fundamental cybersecurity principles to enable them to protect themselves against various cyber threats.
Furthermore, this paper explores the broader impact of COVID-19 on individuals, businesses, and the economy from a cybersecurity perspective. It emphasizes the pressing requirement for cybersecurity education and awareness in light of the pandemic's significance. The COVID-19 crisis has underscored the utmost importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding society's well-being and highlights the need for comprehensive measures to combat cyber threats effectively
