Article by Khanyi Moshia
Microsoft revealed that every country on earth has suffered at least one Covid-19 cyberattack from hackers – these include phishing emails, mobile alerts, and news updates about the pandemic.
With more people working from home and accessing sensitive corporate data across home networks, that is when hackers tend to take advantage.
Microsoft shares that it’s very common for hackers to strike when countries are dealing with a crisis that leaves people vulnerable, and searching for answers online.
According to the Microsoft hot-map, the research shows that the hackers are tailoring their phishing emails as well as other malware by mentioning the virus.
Corporate Vice President of Microsoft 365 Security, Rob Lefferts told Business Insider that “countries with the highest outbreak numbers are also the most affected by these Covid-themed lures. Confusion, concern, and fear are driving people to click and that’s what attackers are taking advantage of.”
One of the Microsoft cyber security’s suite called Microsoft Threat Protection found that roughly 60 000 emails with Coronavirus related malicious attachments or URLs are sent per day. The good news is, are just a small percentage and the number of threats aren’t increasing.
It’s important to be vigilant when you’re sourcing information from the internet at all times to prevent being scammed. Do not click on unsecured links, and if you’re looking for Covid-19 updates – visit https://sacoronavirus.co.za or contact the National Department of Health by sending a WhatsApp text to 060 012 3456.
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