In recent days, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus, we have seen how our lives have been turned upside down, forcing us to change our personal and social habits.

At first, this blog post was going to be just like any other you might find online, discussing cybersecurity and prevention policies. Since IT professionals have long been trying to raise awareness among users about the dangers of sharing files and opening unknown documents, I’m going to take a different approach to emphasize the importance of applying the same precautions both in our personal lives and when using computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Next, we’ll look at some analogies that will help us connect different technologies to the steps we’re currently taking to avoid contracting COVID-19:

• COVID-19: Lockdown is an effective way to isolate ourselves, protect ourselves, and avoid coming into contact with COVID-19.
  Computer virus: A corporate network with strong Wi-Fi passwords, along with a reliable VPN and a robust backup system on a separate device, will allow us to isolate ourselves as much as possible to prevent the infection of data—a company’s most valuable asset.
• COVID-19: Masks and gloves protect us and others. You should cover your mouth and nose, and gloves should not touch your face.
  Computer viruses: Just like a good firewall or VPN, they act as barriers that prevent viruses from entering our bodies.
• COVID-19: Before touching or using anything we’ve brought in from outside, wash food, shoes, and clothing with soapy water, bleach, or ammonia.
  Computer viruses: Computers have antivirus software to protect us from viruses entering or leaving the system, whether through the internet, emails, documents, etc.
• COVID-19: COVID Certificates. In regions such as Catalonia, it is mandatory to carry a document stating the reason for your travel.
  Computer viruses: A robust company policy helps raise user awareness through training and guidelines that, for example, prohibit the use of USB drives, accessing the company server from unknown devices, or installing software without authorization.
• COVID-19: Limit physical contact with others.
  Computer virus: It is important not to open documents from unknown sources, no matter how intriguing they may seem. It is highly unlikely that you have won a prize or received an inheritance via your work email account.
• COVID-19: We should not share cutlery, clothing, razors, etc., with other people.
  Computer viruses: Software should not be shared; everyone should use their own license, which allows for legal use and access to updates. Piracy should be avoided, as it is one of the most common sources of computer infection with Trojans.
• COVID-19: Close the windows if you don't want the neighbors to see you.
  Computer viruses: The rush to implement remote work is causing havoc due to the use of software designed for the consumer market, which does not always meet corporate security requirements. Among the most popular are solutions for remotely connecting to work desktops, the use of personal email accounts and personal cell phones, and solutions for video calls and/or conferences.
• COVID-19: If you become infected, avoid contact with others, self-isolate, and call your doctor.
  Computer virus: If your computer becomes infected with a virus, do not connect it to the network or continue working on it. Have a specialist check it so that the rest of the company doesn’t get infected. Sometimes, damaged or encrypted data cannot be recovered.

We could go on listing examples, but like the ones mentioned above, they all boil down to a single idea: Use common sense, stay safe, and avoid risky behavior.