Business · Individuals
COVID-19 cyber-attacks multiply and diversify
While the white coats are fighting to save lives, Black hats are playing with our fear. And there’s no cure against this disgusting opportunism.
More and more attackers attempt to take advantage of the current pandemic to cheat us. We have already written about the new wave of Phishing and Scams related to Coronavirus.
But the threat is much broader than just phishing. While the white coats are fighting to save lives, Black hats are playing with our fear. And there’s no cure against this disgusting opportunism. You just have to open your eyes wide and think before you click. We give you some hints to improve your “immunity”.
1. Coronavirus dedicated websites: some attackers design websites related to coronavirus in order to prompt you to download an application to keep you updated on the situation. But it’s a trap!
2. Coronavirus safety measures: you are invited to download a pdf containing advices to protect you against the Virus. But the pdf file contains malicious code…
A summary of the infection chain can be represented by the following schema:
3. Fake Corona Antivirus Software: if you install it, it creates backdoors in your computer
4. Red Cross Impersonators selling COVID-19 Home Tests
5. Fake WHO Advice Delivers HawkEye Info stealer
6. Extortion Emails that Threaten to Infect You with Coronavirus
7. Hoax CDC calls asking people to reserve COVID19 Vaccines
8. Scams promising 1000 $ checks for Economic Relief to Pandemic
9. Various “Staying safe against Coronavirus” scams.
10. COVID-19 discount codes to sell malware and fake items
11. Instant communication platforms are prime targets for cybercriminals
12. In this context, the number of fake news is also on the rise
Attackers seem to have no limits. A Czech hospital has been hit by a major cyberattack on 12 and 13 March, causing an immediate computer shutdown in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. A Food Delivery Service was also hit by a DDoS Attack in Germany. “Fortunately”, a few days ago, leading cybercrime gangs promise not to attack healthcare organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reminder: Promises are only binding on those who listen to them.
The threat related to COVID-19 is growing and the only way to protect you is to act very carefully when checking your emails or websites.
Sources:
· Tripwire
· WebARX