- While businesses and households navigate Covid-19, cybercriminals are making the most of the disruption and finding ways of penetrating corporate defences.
- Cybercriminals are attacking the computer networks and businesses at a time when cyber defences might be lowered due to the shift of focus to the health crisis.
- Interpol suggests people to stay vigilant and cautious in this regard.
The COVID-19 pandemic renders individuals and society extremely vulnerable in all respects. Safety4sea highlights the importance of being vigilant during the COVID-19 pandemic, reminding that cyber criminals don’t take breaks, as mentioned by Interpol.
Be Vigilant!
Interpol reminds that, “Criminals don’t take breaks. Even as everything around us is being put on hold, they are looking for new ways to generate profits.”
The COVID-19 has set the world into a frenzy, with high levels of anxiety and citizens try to find ways to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy.
Yet, criminals are waiting for this vulnerability, to attack through a wide range of crimes and scams which exploit the fear and uncertainty surrounding the virus.
“There are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself. Be on the alert for counterfeit medical products, fraud and cybercrime,” Interpol advises.
Cybercriminals prey on the opportunity to take advantage of this surreal situation and focus even more on cybercriminal activities
Be cautious while purchase
In the meantime, the authority informs that they have already dealt with an increase in fake or counterfeit medical items available on the market, including disposable surgical masks, hand sanitizers, antiviral and antimalarial medication, vaccines and COVID-19 test kits.
Similarly, the North Club has cautioned the industry of the risks when deciding on testing and PPE requirements and exercise caution when purchasing.
Phishing emails remain our biggest cyber threat so we must stay vigilant.
COVID-19 related crimes
In addition, there has been a rise in cyber crime incidents linked around aspects of the coronavirus to target organizations and unsuspecting victims.
Malicious domains, malware and ransomware are among the different types of cyberattack being reported. Telephone fraud and phishing are on the rise, with criminals tailoring their techniques to the current situation.
Frauds linked to the COVID-19 include:
- Telephone fraud – criminals call victims pretending to be clinic or hospital officials, who claim that a relative of the victim has fallen sick with the virus and request payments for medical treatment;
- Phishing – emails claiming to be from national or global health authorities, with the aim of tricking victims to provide personal credentials or payment details, or to open an attachment containing malware.
Concluding, Interpol recommends that, “If your government has asked you to #StayHome, please do so. Don’t put yourself or others at risk. You can help law enforcement and other first responders by respecting government measures.”
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Source: Safety4sea
