Many measures have been taken by governments and institutions to control the COVID-19 outbreak, also known as "coronavirus". Education at schools was interrupted, events and meetings were canceled, and home office system was introduced. Cyber security risks have increased as a result of precautions taken for public health. The European Central Bank recently issued a statement documenting that banks have increased their cyber crime initiatives. Coronavirus created an opportunity for malicious hackers. We will talk about cyber security risks and measures that can be taken during this process.
As of Monday, March 16, cyber-attacks on individuals and institutions have increased significantly. According to the officials, the increasing attacks with the outbreak can be grouped into 2 types: attacks targeting the individual, attacks targeting institutions.
E-mails that look like research is an example of individual attack. The personal information of thousands of people who responded to the mails sent in the form of COVID-19 outbreak investigations or only opened the mail was stolen by malicious hackers. The main targeted attacks are mainly in those five countries: Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Malaysia and Germany. It was pointed out that victims of identity theft may increase even more; if necessary information and measures are not taken. Proofpoint, a cyber security company announced that the threat posed by COVID-19 outbreaks has unprecedented quality to date.
Another example of individual targeted attacks are seizing bank accounts of philanthropists. In addition to similar outbreaks, COVID-19 threatens not only our health but also our economy. Aware of this situation, attackers collect unrealistic donations to help victims of the pandemia. These mails are prepared to claim that they have received the support of well-known institutions such as Global Giving and UNICEF. Mails are sent with a QR code and people are able to make the payment online. With this method, thieves access the bank accounts, card information of philanthropists who want to help, and reveal unbelievable thefts.
Attack threats aren't just on our social media or emails. Mobile applications that we downloaded onto our phones without research have been a threat for a long time. The threat posed by apps is not only available today. However, there are also pirates attacking, using the curiosity of users who want to keep abreast of COVID-19 news around the world. Malicious cookies remain on your phone when you press the links in the applications you download to track the outbreak on your phones, and all your information will be in the hands of the gangs the next time you pay online. Johns Hopkins University is the first source of the application, which shows how many people the pandemia reached in the world map. Now, it is vital to use reliable sources for information, not only for the right information, but also for the protection of your personal data.
The WHO statement made recently to eliminate individual attack threats:
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