Security News > 2020 > December > U.S. Treasury Warns Financial Institutions of COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Cyberattacks, Scams
The United States Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has issued an alert to warn financial institutions of fraud and cyberattacks related to COVID-19 vaccines.
In its newly released alert, FinCEN tells financial institutions to be wary of "Potential for fraud, ransomware attacks, or similar types of criminal activity related to COVID-19 vaccines and their distribution."
"Already, fraudsters have offered, for a fee, to provide potential victims with the vaccine sooner than permitted under the applicable vaccine distribution plan," the alert reads.
Thus, FinCEN warns financial institutions of potential ransomware attacks targeting either supply chains involved in the manufacturing of vaccines, or the vaccine delivery operations.
"Financial institutions and their customers should also be alert to phishing schemes luring victims with fraudulent information about COVID-19 vaccines," FinCEN warns.