Security News > 2020 > April > Coronavirus-themed malware intensifies across the world
Cybercriminals have been using the coronavirus outbreak to deploy associated malware designed to tap into the curiosity, concern, and fear about COVID-19.
As the pandemic has spread and intensified around the world so too have the malware campaigns that take advantage of it.
In its research entitled "Coronavirus-themed Threat Reports Haven't Flattened The Curve," Bitdefender said that the daily evolution of COVID-themed threats shows a consistent effort on the part of cybercriminals to exploit fear and misinformation about the pandemic to get victims to click on malicious links, open malicious attachments, and even download and install malware.
"Coronavirus-themed threats will likely continue under the form of spearphishing emails, fraudulent URLs, and event malicious applications, all exploiting fear and misinformation in order to trick victims into unwillingly giving away personal, sensitive or financial information," the report added.
"It's likely these campaigns will plateau in time, but as long as the threat of infection with SARS-CoV-2 is real, cybercriminals will keep exploiting the topic, enticing victims with vaccines and miracle cures."