Cyber-terrorism amid COVID-19

Phishing scams were common even before the pandemic. But after COVID-19, the extent of cyber scams has increased tenfold. The attackers are practically targeting every group, based on their language, nationality, business interests, etc.

Hyderabad: Cybercriminals are always on the prowl for weak links. Of late, cyber-attackers have turned the pandemic to their advantage, by playing on people’s fear of coronavirus. It came as a shocker to know that this month alone, 4,00,000 corona related cyberattacks were reported worldwide. The hackers disguised themselves as representatives of the WHO and the UN.

Over the past two months, 4,000 malicious websites under the guise of pandemic information, have cropped up. Hackers are using a malware named Cerberus Trojan to exploit the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

In the pretext of sending timely corona updates, cybercriminals are sending suspicious links to many users. If someone accidentally clicks on the link, their details such as banking passwords, addresses will get hacked. Following Interpol’s warnings, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alerted police departments and central intelligence system. Phishing scams were commonplace even before the pandemic. But after COVID-19, the extent of cyber scams has increased tenfold. The attackers are practically targeting every group, based on their language, nationality, business interests, etc.

Cybercriminals are also taking advantage of the fact that people are seeing masks as a necessity. Along with an increase in digital transactions, cyberterrorism is strengthening its roots. It is dangerous to trust every source on the internet. Recently, a Hyderabadi dialed a customer care number that he found on a website. The recipient fooled the calling party into installing a malicious app that hacked his bank account details.

Due to lockdown, many employees are forced to work from home. Lack of cybersecurity at home as compared to offices has turned a boon for the cybercriminals.

Indian Computer Emergency Team (ICERT) has revealed that cyberattacks on home devices have shot up in the recent past. The latest study on cyber-attacks said that the maximum number of attacks were reported in Kerala.

Four years ago, Pakistan-linked hackers used a malware called Crimson RAT to attack the Indian embassies. Recently, a similar hacking attempt where the hackers tried to infiltrate the systems using fake emails, came to light.

Amid such a crisis, what good is it if the CBI merely warns the Center and states? The Center has launched the prestigious Aarogya Setu App to provide corona related information. But the App’s security loopholes have been exposed several times. Being a tech leader, India must actively fight against cyberterrorism in order to safeguard its people.