FP TrendingFeb 09, 2021 14:03:57 IST
Kaspersky has launched a digital tool that teaches students and educators the best practices of cybersecurity. As the pandemic continues and schools re-close with online learning models, the education sector continues to attract the attention of cybercriminals, on the internet. Approximately 168,550 users encountered a number of risks, deceived as popular learning platforms between January and June 2020, which was a 20 percent increase, compared to the same period in 2019. The number has continued to grow from July to December as January 2021 saw a 60 per cent Rise compared to the first half of 2020.
About 98 percent of the threats encountered were not viruses but hackers and adware.
Zoom was the most popular attraction which saw over 300 million people meet every day, followed by Moodle and Google Meet.
About 98 percent of the threats encountered were not viruses but hackers and adware. The risk tool contains a number of files – from download managers and browser bars that remotely manage devices, which have the ability to perform actions on the computer without the user’s permission. Adware, on the other hand, attacks users with unwanted ads, while Trojans make up for about one percent of the threats.
Users usually come across such threats as online course platforms or popular video conferencing apps through fake app installers on unofficial websites designed to be similar to the original platforms or emails, in the form of special offers or messages.
To help students and educators stay safe, Kaspersky has put together a number of resources including an online course that teaches cybersecurity best practices through digital tools in the classroom.