Emails and websites are promising vital information about keeping you safe from the coronavirus pandemic that’s sweeping the nation and threatening millions. In fact, a flood of them are scams that push malware, ransomware, and disinformation; attempt to steal passwords and personal information; and conduct espionage

People pushing phishing scams are also capitalizing on the pandemic. One batch of emails sent to college students poses as official communications from University personnel offering bogus updates about closures and other coronavirus-related news. Another variation of this email claims to come from employers and targets people who are working from home. In reality, both scams provide links to fake OneDrive or Office365 login screens that can steal your credentials.

Yet another phishing scam appears to come from the World Health Organization and promises information on safety measures to avoid infection. People who click on the link visit a site that asks them to share personal information.

Online scams that are tailored to major news events have been around for more than a decade. With the coronavirus receiving so much coverage around the world, these latest scams show no signs of slowing down.

Be highly skeptical of emails and websites that offer to provide information or goods related to the ongoing pandemic. Confirm the primary source of those communications and  never take source claims at face value. Instead of clicking on links in emails that you are unsure of, look up the website yourself. You can go to the main page on our website to find links that will take you to reputable sources for COVID-19 information.

Information for this blog was taken from an article by Dan Goodin at Ars Tenchnica and shared by Wildcard Corp. on LinkedIn. You can find the full article with additional information at arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/03/the-internet-is-drowning-in-covid-19-related-malware-and-phishing-scams/