Could fighting coronavirus compromise cybersecurity?

Marcus RogersDuring this time of social distancing, Marcus Rogers, professor of computer and information technology, would like everyone to be cognizant of their online actions. It might be prudent to pay extra attention to friends and family members – especially the elderly – who are socially isolated and cyber-naïve.

“Scammers and cybercriminals are opportunists,” said Rogers. “Scammers are sending fake emails and setting up fake COVID-19 health information websites, trying to phish user IDs and passwords. Other scammers are pretending to raise money to assist with replacement lunch programs for students or the isolated elderly.”

Rogers also is concerned about the nation’s internet infrastructure, especially now, with the sudden uptick in the number of people who are working, studying and being entertained from home.

“This increased demand… places more burden on networks and the infrastructure… and could negatively impact bandwidth and availability,” he said.

Rogers posits, “We may need to consider metering our online behavior to essential activities, such as those related to our work, education or critical communications, or at the very least following the more regular rhythm of the day — routine work or school hours.”

Read Rogers' entire opinion piece at TheHill.com.

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