Escalating cyber threats pose growing risks for freelancers, small businesses

ISLAMABAD: Freelancers often find themselves in communication with individuals they do not personally know, a consequence of the nature of their job. They are frequently required to open files originating from unfamiliar sources, be it text for translation, technical documentation for a coding project, or a description of an image they are tasked with creating.

These interactions make them susceptible to cybercriminals who employ phishing and malware tactics to pilfer their credentials.

In a recent campaign, cybercriminals installed a keylogger or a remote access Trojan (RAT) on the victims’ computers. With a keylogger, or RAT, in place, the perpetrators gained access to everything, including routine computer use, logins, and passwords, enabling them to compromise accounts and financial assets.

“Pakistan, being one of the largest freelancers’ markets, is also a potential target for cybercriminals. It’s not just freelancers; small businesses also face significant cybersecurity threats. Overlooking this problem will only lead to escalating costs. Malware does not discriminate among its victims, and even small organisations have something to lose,” comments Usman Qureshi, Country Representative for Pakistan at Kaspersky.

Recognising that cybercriminals often exploit human error as a gateway to compromise, which is easier than exploiting technology, freelancers are advised to exercise caution when prompted to install software by clients or potential clients. Kaspersky emphasises the necessity of downloading software exclusively from official sources and ensuring that such installations do not grant unauthorised access to personal computers.

Experts further caution against opening any executable files, as they may harbour malicious intent. A preliminary antivirus scan is also strongly recommended. Freelancers are urged to remain wary of misspelt URLs and unsolicited requests for login credentials. Additionally, they should avoid sharing credit card details with anyone.

Security solutions such as Kaspersky Small Office Security are easy to set up and enable small businesses to protect sensitive data and secure financial transactions, as well as safeguard user credentials. Freelancers can opt for a reliable security solution, such as Kaspersky Security Cloud, to protect against malware, phishing, spam, and other cyber threats.