Cybercrime has been going on for as long as the internet has existed, but now Interpol are warning users that specific attacks and attempts to undermine users, using COVID-19 as a cover, are increasing.
The organisation warned that as a result of lowered defences because of the focus on the current health crisis, cybercriminals are taking the opportunity to trick users.
Malicious domains
Interpol has noted an increase in malicious domains which are using terms relating to the coronavirus to trick people into thinking they are legitimate.
They use the term “COVID-19” and variations to entice people to click onto the site, before realising it is not what they were looking for. One click and it’s too late because these sites are the locations from which spam campaigns and malware are spread.
Malware
Speaking of malware, cybercriminals are using the increased global communication strategies to their benefit as well. Malware, spyware and trojans are being detected in interactive coronavirus maps and websites. Spam emails are also tricking users into clicking and downloading malware onto their computers.
Ransomware
The slightly more malicious cousin to malware, ransomware locks your computer before asking for a bribe to re-open. Interpol has seen an increase in hospitals, medical centres and public institutions being targeted in these kinds of attacks as criminals understand that locking these institutions out would be a critical hit at this time.
Interpol have released recommendations for the public to protect themselves against these kinds of attacks. Since they morph and change as often as they are caught, a general sense of caution and skepticism goes a long way.
Keep your information safe
Check your software and systems
Be vigilant