Whenever you see a major worldwide event like the coronavirus, truth and rumor clash. As Winston Churchill said, “A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.”
No surprise, scammers are using the coronavirus to steal data or money.
The Malwarebytes Blog has stepped forward to offer an information-packed post about the coronavirus, and the scams popping up around it.
Battling Online Coronavirus Scams with Facts – Malwarebytes Blog
Scammers have already begun sending out coronavirus-themed phishing emails. These scams fall within two types (as of this March 2020):
- Offering advice on protecting yourself from coronavirus. They even include a PDF or Word document with prevention tips…which is also loaded with malware.
- Asking for donations to fight coronavirus. Make no mistake though. Not a penny of your donation will go to a good cause. It'll land right in a scammer's pocket.
You'll find examples in the Malwarebytes post, so you know what to watch for.
As with all phishing emails, check any emails you receive carefully. If you're not sure whether it's legitimate or not, don't click any links. Notify your IT department, and they'll take care of it.
Do you have a cybersecurity question you want answered? Send it in to WOOF@PlanetMagpie.com and it may show up in our next "Cyber Fu Tip."