Ways of corona abuse

Many entrepreneurs today are looking for information about the corona virus. Criminals try to take advantage of this. So be alert to which links you click, which websites you open and which files you download. A wrong click can have disastrous consequences for your company.

Do not get surprised and read below which forms of corona scams occur, plus tips to recognize this abuse.

The forms:

• Suspicious phishing emails with the subject corona or Covid-19.
  These messages are designed to trick you into finding more information on this topic by clicking on a malicious link or file. Learn how to unmask these phishing emails;
• Malware distribution with the subject corona or Covid-19.
  Think,, for example, of apps with which you can see whether there are infected people in your area, statistics of numbers of deaths or availability of hospital capacity. Internet criminals use malicious apps (which can look very professional and legitimate) to spread ransomware, spyware or other unwanted functions;  
• Websites containing corona (related) terms.
  These websites are then used to distribute fake news or malware. A list of suspicious websites compiled by, among others, US-Cert, can be found here: https://www.us-cert.gov/sites/default/files/publications/AA20-099A_WHITE.csv
• Attacks against and abuse of (quickly) realized home work facilities.
  Think of DDoS, improper access to meetings and fake meeting requests.

The tricks:

To give messages, files and apps a more reliable look, corona scammers use different belief techniques. Below you find 4 ‘indicators of compromise’.

• Use authority
  To gain trust with the recipient, messages are provided with names from trusted sources such as the WHO, government, banks, lawyers or senders such as Dr. Janssen.
• Urgency
  Also be alert if there is urgency surrounding the offer. For example, an offer for corona home testing that you should respond to within an hour.
• Scarcity
  Think of an offer for a last batch of face masks.
• Emotion
  Responding to your helpfulness is also a proven method to enable fraud. Don’t let your emotions take over your wit in these times of corona crisis.

Be alert to suspicious emails, files and links. Before clicking a link, hover your cursor over the link to view the address line you will be lured to.

How to handle?

• Be alert to suspicious emails, files and links. Before clicking a link, hover your cursor over the link to view the address line you will be lured to.
• Consult only trusted sources for news about corona.
• If you are buying from a new trading relationship, search online fort he company’s reputation, online reviews, and check a trade register to see if the company actually exists. Is the person making the offer actually employed by or authorized by the company?
   

In general the following applies: what seems too good to be true… often is.