Online crime thrives under unique economic conditions fueled by the coronavirus pandemic
Surge in Digital Crimes Amidst Pandemic Perspective from IT Security Visionary Eugene Kaspersky
In the wake of the global shift towards digitalization spurred by the pandemic, cybercrimes have experienced a significant upsurge, asserts Eugene Kaspersky, the founder of Kaspersky Lab, in an interview with Spiegel. The increase in digital criminal activities has been estimated at a worldwide jump of 25 percent by Kaspersky Lab.
Healthcare facilities have been particularly susceptible to these attacks, with noted incidents such as the University Hospital Düsseldorf ransomware attack in September. Kaspersky considers these attacks on hospitals during the COVID-19 crisis a form of digital terrorism and advocates confronting them with the same determination as other forms of terrorism.
Although the means to investigate such crimes effectively are available, the challenge lies in cross-border collaboration between investigative authorities, a hurdle that currently remains unmet. Geopolitical tensions between major nations, such as the USA, China, and Russia, result in a scarcity of information exchange between investigators, according to Kaspersky. Efforts to bridge this gap in the past have proven promising but ultimately short-lived.
With the further advancement of network interconnectivity and escalating dependence on digital systems, the need for a harmonized, united front against cyberterrorism becomes increasingly critical. In Kaspersky's view, the failure to address this issue collectively could lead to disastrous consequences.
In 2017, allegations surfaced in the USA, alleging that Kaspersky Lab's software may serve as a tool for Russian intelligence. However, Kaspersky maintains that these allegations are politically motivated. He also voices reservations about the bans on Chinese providers in 5G network construction, claiming that none of the allegations about 5G and these companies have shown any evidence of wrongdoing so far.
In conclusion, the surge in digital crimes necessitates urgent attention and a coordinated international response. The digital nature of threats transcends national boundaries, necessitating cooperation among nations to effectively combat cybercrime. Despite geopolitical challenges, fostering collaboration and transparency remains crucial for the advancement of robust cybersecurity strategies.
technology advancements in health care have also made it vulnerable to cyberattacks, as highlighted by Eugene Kaspersky following the ransomware attacks on healthcare facilities like University Hospital Düsseldorf; such attacks are not only a threat to general-news headlines, but they can also be considered acts of digital terrorism during critical times such as the COVID-19 crisis. Moreover, the increasing need for global technology usage calls for political leadership to prioritize cybersecurity efforts, given the challenges in cross-border cybersecurity investigations due to geopolitical tensions and the importance of cross-border collaboration in the cybersecurity realm.
