Working from home making computer security an issue for US government

The Department of Veterans Affairs says it has introduced a new security platform and phishing reporting system, while also increasing staff privacy training. — AFP via Getty Images/TNS

WASHINGTON: In the age of social distancing, many employees have found their workplace shift from an office cubicle to a living room couch.

But for US federal workers and IT teams who often handle sensitive data using outdated government systems and infrastructure, working from home brings new challenges – particularly as concerns are rising about cybersecurity attacks seeking to exploit the pandemic.