The Coronavirus pandemic reaches most corners of the world. More people are browsing the net and staying online to pass time. Bad guys aren’t any different. They’re also adapting to the new reality and taking advantage of the situation to launch cyber attacks veiled as innocent information.
The true threat of these bad actors has little to do with technology but more to do with how humans are using the internet during the pandemic, according to Ryan Olson who heads Unit 42 of Palo Alto Networks threat intelligence team.
Coronavirus is the new clickbait
Over 100,000 new domains showed up on the internet containing keywords like ‘covid’, ‘virus’ and ‘corona’. Although not all of them are malicious, it’s recommended to treat any new site with a healthy suspicion.
Transform talent with learning that worksCapability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More Despite many claiming to have testing kits, pandemic related information or a cure — the fact that they didn’t exist until very recently is a good reason to be skeptical, according to Olson.
The same applies for mobile applications as well. Most people are looking for information on how Coronavirus will impact their lives and how they can stay safe, on their smartphones.
Olson believes the best way to protect yourself is to make sure that whatever new application you install is either for the Google Play Store or the App Store. Avoid third-party sources as much as possible.
Coronavirus in your inbox
The third point of attack is directly in your inbox. Since people are paying more attention to alerts and notifications that read Covid-19, attackers are using the opportunity to send malicious messages with clickbait phishing links.
This is not restricted to one particular type of malware or event campaign. It is a diversified net of attacks looking to spread.
Here are some keywords that Unit 42 has identified as threats:
- CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE // BUSINESS
- CONTINUITY PLAN ANNOUNCEMENT STARTING MARCH 2020
- Latest corona-virus updates
- UNICEF COVID-19 TIPS APP
- POEA HEALTH ADVISORY re-2020 Novel Corona Virus
- WARNING! CORONAVIRUS
The file attachments to these emails normally include the following names:
- AWARENESS NOTICE ON CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 DOCUMENT_pdf.exe
- Coronavirus COVID-19 update:xlxs
- CORONA VIRUS1.uue
- CORONA VIRUS AFFECTED CREW AND VESSEL.xlsm
- covid19.ZIP
However, neither of these lists is absolute. As time goes, new variants will quickly emerge to replace existing ones. Olson believes that the ones listed will at least continue to for the next few months.
See also:
Coronavirus cases in Kerala news and updates
Coronavirus cases in Tamil Nadu news and updates
Coronavirus cases in Haryana news and updates
Next Story
I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
From terrace to table: 8 Edible plants you can grow in your home
India fourth largest military spender globally in 2023: SIPRI report
New study forecasts high chance of record-breaking heat and humidity in India in the coming months
Gold plunges ₹1,450 to ₹72,200, silver prices dive by ₹2,300
Strong domestic demand supporting India's growth: Morgan Stanley
