Coronavirus Used to Spread Malware Online

upnorth

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Fear of the coronavirus infection is being leveraged by cyber criminals for their malicious activities, new research shows. Criminals disguised malware as documents proporting to be for educational purposes.

Kaspersky’s technologies have found malicious pdf, mp4 and docx files disguised as documents relating to the newly discovered Coronavirus. The file names imply that they include virus protection instructions, current threat developments and even virus detection techniques. In fact, these files contained a number of malware samples, such as Trojans and worms that could damage or encrypt data. Our malware analyst Anton Ivanov sums it up : “The corona virus, which is currently hotly debated in the media, has been used as a bait by cybercriminals. So far, we’ve only identified ten unique files, but since this type of activity is common to popular media topics, we expect this number to increase. As people continue to worry about their health, fake documents that are said to educate them about the corona virus may be spreading more and more malware. “
  • Do not click on suspicious links that promise exclusive content, but obtain information from official, trustworthy sources.
  • Check file extensions of downloaded files. Documents and video files don’t use the .EXE file format.
 

show-Zi

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In the real world, fraudulent business that takes advantage of coronavirus anxiety is becoming a problem. stones that claim to have a preventive effect and accessories that purify the surrounding air just by wearing them are being sold at high prices.

When ransomware started to be talked about, it felt very similar. For them, unknown threats can be a great resource to earn in the name of prevention.
 
B

BVLon

Am I the only one who’s thinking how the anti-malware industry will be affected as well? As many places and many more to come are now under quarantine amid the epidemic? Many companies have huge R&D teams and virus analysts in China...I believe we’ll start seeing decreased detection in some products.

Btw Criminals rely mostly on social engineering... they will use Corona Virus, Australia Fired and everything they can to spread malware.. thats not news.
 

plat

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In the real world, fraudulent business that takes advantage of coronavirus anxiety is becoming a problem.

Very, very serious issue. You have fragrances and special stones, we have unlabeled bottles filled with pretty liquid that is sold as bootleg "hand sanitizer," some of which sent a little kid to the Emergency Room yesterday with severe burns on his arms. See, all the stores were out of the legit stuff.

I bet close to everyone has a story, either direct or indirect, having to do with this virus. Does anyone think it's being blown out of proportion by the hysterical media or does one believe: yes, it's as bad as they say? If you factor in all the mayhem and ripple effects as a direct result, I'd have to say: yes, it's pretty darn bad.
 

show-Zi

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In terms of words often used in MT, it may be that people are becoming paranoid. Anxiety amplifies negative thoughts. Excessive fear of transmitting a virus creates a new virus in human thinking.

IMO, the bias of the mass media regarding this turmoil should be blamed.
 

upnorth

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Social media is sadly a major culprit that allows too many idiot trolls that love to share false information. More important than ever that we members on this forum is extra vigilant and don't accept what's obvious wrong and instead use the report option.
 

Antus67

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I have to 2nd the advice from upnorth media plays a large roll in expanding its coverage on this issue bring fear to the public. Now with that said yes..............this virus is serious and not to be taken lightly............precautionary measures need to be taken and contact with large groups. Remember media looks also at ratings ratings turns into dollar signs
 

plat

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Heard on the national news just now: given the greater number of people currently working from home due to the virus, the number of malware strikes from opening executable attachments from dodgy senders is going to increase. That would include phishy emails from those purporting to be agents of health organizations providing the latest "news" on the virus.

Makes a lot of sense. Plus, the security at work probably isn't the same as that at home, for better or worse.
 

show-Zi

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Heard on the national news just now: given the greater number of people currently working from home due to the virus, the number of malware strikes from opening executable attachments from dodgy senders is going to increase. That would include phishy emails from those purporting to be agents of health organizations providing the latest "news" on the virus.

Makes a lot of sense. Plus, the security at work probably isn't the same as that at home, for better or worse.
Surely. There are too many bad conditions for the user.
 

Burrito

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Uh oh, Tom Hanks caught the CV.

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... and...

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This just gets crazier by the day..

I hope hope hope my organization goes to telework...
 
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