COVID-19 pandemic and the cyberthreat landscape: Research challenges and opportunities
Heba Saleous, Muhusina Ismail, Saleh H. AlDaajeh, Nisha Thorakkattu Madathil, Saed Alrabaee, Kim‐Kwang Raymond Choo, Nabeel Al-Qirim
Abstract
Although cyber technologies benefit our society, there are also some related cybersecurity risks. For example, cybercriminals may exploit vulnerabilities in people, processes, and technologies during trying times, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, to identify opportunities that target vulnerable individuals, organizations (e.g., medical facilities), and systems. In this paper, we examine the various cyberthreats associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We also determine the attack vectors and surfaces of cyberthreats. Finally, we will discuss and analyze the insights and suggestions generated by different cyberattacks against individuals, organizations, and systems.