Cybercriminals are exploiting public fears of the novel coronavirus with phishing schemes and malware attacks, according to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky and cited by The News Minute.
Hackers have begun impersonating the CDC and World Health Organization with phishing emails. The emails contain malicious links that allow hackers to download malware onto a victim’s computer.
Additionally, the cybersecurity firm found that cybercriminals are targeting individuals with phony emails offering healthcare products, including masks.
“We would encourage companies to be particularly vigilant at this time, and ensure employees who are working at home exercise caution,” said David Emm, principal security researchers, according to The News Minute. “Businesses should communicate clearly with workers to ensure they are aware of the risks, and do everything they can to secure remote access for those self-isolating or working from home.”
In another example, a phishing email is being sent under the guise as a list of coronavirus patients from WHO. However, when individuals download the Excel file, a Trojan-Downloader installs a different malicious file.