COVID-19: Spotlight on security risks

Service disruptions, protests and unrests, xenophobic attacks and fraud and scams are just some of the security risks that may arise as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to travel risk intellience firm Riskline.

In its latest advisory, it notes the following risks may manifest as the crisis evolves in certain countries.

Service Disruptions:

The infection of essential workers and measures to prevent the spread of the virus in critical sectors of the economy have the potential to cause both short- and long-term impacts on critical services and infrastructure. In a worse-case scenario, this could cause disruptions to essential services such as drinking water, electricity and food production and distribution. The risk of looting and other unrest sparked by poor service delivery increases as the virus spreads.

Strikes: In addition to service disruptions caused directly by the outbreak, workers may strike or participate in other forms of labour action. Warehouse, delivery and healthcare workers have already walked off the job in several countries over a lack of protective equipment and other work conditions. Further strikes are certain and carry the potential to disrupt essential services.

Protests and Unrest: Some populations may respond with hostility to prolonged movement controls - such as curfews or household lockdowns - invasive government tracking through technology or the economic impact of these and other measures. In these cases, unrest directed at authorities and symbols of the government is possible and may have a negative impact on containment of the virus.

Xenophobic Attacks: Violence directed at foreigners perceived to be responsible for the outbreak of the disease is increasingly likely over time. In the initial stages, anti-Chinese and anti-Asian sentiment and physical attacks were reported globally. As the outbreak shifted to Europe, attacks against perceived Europeans were reported, specifically in some African countries. With the outbreak expected to shift to the USA by April, similar incidents direct against Americans are possible.

Fraud and Scams: Criminals may attempt to exploit the pandemic as an opportunity to profit through scams, phishing attacks, malware and other forms of fraud. Indeed, approximately 3,600 new internet domains containing the word “coronavirus” were created between 14 and 18 March alone. Take common sense precautions for digital security, including verifying urls and the source of message attachments before opening them.

Surveillance: There is a possibility of increased surveillance of individuals and the general public. Personal information may be disclosed to the public, especially for those who are diagnosed with the virus. Exercise discretion in deciding to communicate sensitive or personal information through electronic devices.

Criminals may attempt to exploit the pandemic as an opportunity to profit through scams, phishing attacks, malware and other forms of fraud. Indeed, approximately 3,600 new internet domains containing the word “coronavirus” were created between 14 and 18 March alone. Take common sense precautions for digital security, including verifying urls and the source of message attachments before opening them.

Finally, there is a possibility of increased surveillance of individuals and the general public. Personal information may be disclosed to the public, especially for those who are diagnosed with the virus. Exercise discretion in deciding to communicate sensitive or personal information through electronic devices.