Security News > 2020 > December > Europol Warns COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Vulnerable to Fraud, Theft

The agency joins a chorus of security professionals that have concerns about widespread attacks on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

"The detection of a fake influenza vaccine confirms that criminals seize opportunities as soon as they present themselves," the Europol warning read. "Owing to the pandemic, the demand for the influenza vaccine has been higher than usual and there risks being a shortage. Criminals have reacted quickly by producing counterfeit influenza vaccines. The same scenario is also likely to happen when COVID-19 vaccines do become available."

"The number of offers is limited at this stage but will likely increase once a legitimate vaccine becomes available. Criminals advertise their fake vaccines using the brands of genuine pharmaceutical companies that are already in the final stages of testing."

As a result of the IBM X-Force findings, CISA issued guidance to Operation Warp Speed organizations to boost security related to COVID-19 vaccine storage and transport.

COVID vaccine manufacturer Dr. Reddy's Laboratories was forced to shut down factories in Brazil, India, the U.K. and U.S. in late October, which were contracted to make the Russian vaccine "Sputnik V." And the APT group DarkHotel targeted the World Health Organization last March, in an attempt to steal any information they could find related to tests, vaccines or trial cures.

News URL

https://threatpost.com/europol-covid-19-vaccine-rollout-fraud-theft/161968/