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FBI issues alert against cybercriminals
HONOLULU, Hawaii—As of March 30 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has received more than 1,200 complaints related to COVID-19 scams. This has prompted the FBI to issue an alert yesterday to the public to be on the lookout for scams that exploit the current COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the FBI advisory, cyber actors have engaged in recent weeks in phishing campaigns against first responders, launched DDoS attacks against government agencies, deployed ransomware at medical facilities, and created fake COVID-19 websites that quietly download malware to victim devices.
Based on recent trends, the FBI assesses these same groups will target businesses and individuals working from home via telework software vulnerabilities, education technology platforms, and new Business Email Compromise schemes.
The FBI anticipates cyber actors will exploit increased use of virtual environments by government agencies, the private sector, private organizations, and individuals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Computer systems and virtual environments provide essential communication services for telework and education, in addition to conducting regular business. Cyber actors exploit vulnerabilities in these systems to steal sensitive information, target individuals and businesses performing financial transactions, and engage in extortion. (PR)
