Wireline Issue 48 - Summer 2020

infrastructure to dynamically add new services according to demand. Similarly, the widespread move to cloud-based services can also help balance network capacity. Maged observes that while full VPN services remain popular for providing security and oversight, it can bemore efficient to offload some safe services to reduce congestion. He adds: “When you have such a large mass of people working remotely, it’s much more efficient from a capacity and performance perspective that they are able to reach cloud-based services directly through the internet. So there is some evolution in remote access design and infrastructure to offload large-volume, low- risk traffic.” Security questions IT security is of course a key priority formost businesses, but even more so when staff may be logging in on new hardware across various locations and connections. To help guide safe and effective response, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) — the UK's independent authority on cyber security — has prepared six cyber security questions for businesses to consider, including the kinds of technology they use and whether they need cyber insurance. This includes advice specifically aimed at businesses who have had to adapt quickly to the impact of COVID-19. An NCSC spokesperson explained to Wireline : “It’s important employers can offer secure home working and the NCSC has published actionable advice on setting up new user accounts, helping staff look after devices and ensuring VPN technology is up to date. The NCSC has also published guidance on using video conferencing services securely.” They continued: “Whilst the overall level of cyber crime is stable, the proportion of phishing attacks related to coronavirus has increased. Phishing is a common tool and we strongly encourage organisations to follow our guidance on setting up multi-layered defences, including how to block spoof emails getting through and to help staff members with identifying attacks.” (See the boxout overleaf for more). With phishing being one of the primary security concerns for Schlumberger as well, the IT team helped feed into a new app called Coronavirus Stay SAFE, designed to support staff working through the pandemic. Although primarily assembled by HSE teams, cyber security governance manager Simon Tong says that this was also a great opportunity to help with cyber security messaging: “With people working remotely in a new environment we were concerned about information overload. When you think about how large organisations respond to the pandemic, you don’t want the average user being inundated with messaging from everywhere. The app serves as a hub for the latest HSE and cyber security updates to help our employees stay safe during the pandemic.” This raises an interesting avenue for future staff engagement. Given the existing emphasis on safety

“Whilst the overall level of cyber crime is stable, the proportion of phishing attacks related to coronavirus has increased."

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