Check Point research shows cyber criminals exploiting Coronavirus panic

It said that as the virus spreads across the globe, people are searching online for the latest information and updates on how it might affect them, and what they can do to protect themselves and their families. Cyber criminals are quick to take advantage of these concerns for their own gain, it added.

Check Point, a cyber security firm, said that cyber criminals are exploiting interest in Covid-19 to spread malicious activity through several spam campaigns relating to the outbreak. 

It said that as the virus spreads across the globe, people are searching online for the latest information and updates on how it might affect them, and what they can do to protect themselves and their families. Cyber criminals are quick to take advantage of these concerns for their own gain, it added. 

“Hackers around the globe have found the Coronavirus serving them well as an enabler for their activities and are still riding the wave of the epidemic. Our Global Threat Index for January 2020 shows cyber-criminals are exploiting interest in the global epidemic to spread malicious activity, with several spam campaigns relating to the outbreak of the virus,” Check Point said. 

It said that there have been over 4,000 coronavirus-related domains registered globally since January. Out of these websites, 3% were found to be malicious and an additional 5% are suspicious, it added. Coronavirus- related domains are 50% more likely to be malicious than other domains registered at the same period. 

“Many of these domains will probably be used for phishing attempts. As of now, Check Point already spotted and protects online users from many websites known to be related to malicious activities that lure the victims to their websites with discussions around the virus, as well as from scam websites that claim to sell face masks, vaccines, and home tests that can detect the virus.” Check Point said.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/check-point-research-shows-cyber-criminals-exploiting-coronavirus-panic/articleshow/74496106.cms