Cybersecurity

How to Avoid Hackers Taking Advantage of Coronavirus?

Hackers are trying to take advantage of the Coronavirus fear with the goal of delivering malware and stealing information. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a warning about Coronavirus-themed phishing attacks that impersonate the organization, ask for users’ sensitive info like usernames and passwords and encourage them to download malware.

Among the WHO recommendations:

• Any email address other than ‘person@who.int’ format is not from the WHO.
• The WHO would never ask for your identity information.
• The Who would never attach files that you didn’t ask for.
• The organization would never refer you to a domain other than its own: who.int
• Change your credentials if you somehow surrendered your current credentials.

Israel Internet Association (ISOC-IL) also recommends: 

• Suspect an email with a link regarding the Coronavirus, check where the link directs you.
• Never share your personal details, especially not financial information, such as credit card details.
• Check the sender’s email address – does it seem formal and genuine?
• Never download attached files sent from a source you do not trust completely.

In addition, some hackers might take advantage of the Coronavirus fear without impersonating the WHO.