The Coronavirus emergency has accelerated the use of remote work and study methods. The advantages offered by these new forms of activity are numerous but the risks related to IT security are often underestimated. During the Covid-19 emergency there was a peak of cyber attacks, which hit the education, finance and health sectors most. The information is contained in the first report of the Exprivia Cybersecurity Observatory. From January to April, the total number of attacks, incidents and privacy violations affecting businesses and individuals doubled month by month. According to the Observatory, data theft is the damage caused in 59% of cases. The most used technique to deceive users is been phishing. The children are the most at risk target with the introduction of distance learning. Many students went online every day to follow lessons. Many people are connected online every day to work. This new reality produces a large number of connections. The high number of connections has led to the dissemination of a large number of personal and video data online, especially of underage. How to prevent this information getting into the wrong hands? What to do to protect the privacy of families? In addition to the use of the most elementary security measures (for example update the operating system and programs used and install business antivirus software) it’s essential to overcome the digital divide and organize training courses on digital awareness. The users must be trained to prevent cyber attacks or defend against them. It’s necessary to train people on the safe and conscious use of digital technology to improve the quality of life, both personal and professional.

Roma Capitale