22 June,2020 06:29 AM IST | Mumbai | The Editorial
This picture has been used for representation purpose
The government has warned against a large-scale cyber attack against individuals and businesses, where attackers may use COVID-19 as bait to steal personal and financial information.
The phishing campaign began yesterday with cybercriminals using IDs such as ncov2019@gov.in. The attackers are expected to send malicious emails while posing as local authorities that are in charge of dispensing government-funded COVID-19 support initiatives.
This editorial had stated when we were just a few days into the lockdown in India, that cybercriminals were using the World Health Organization (WHO) to con people into parting with funds as the COVID-19 wave hit the world. In fact, the apex health body had itself posted warnings about fake websites, email accounts and criminals impersonating WHO officials to deceive their targets, get hold of financial information and dupe them. This new warning is India-centric.
The frauds can be clubbed under the umbrella of Nigerian scams. These are cyber frauds where individuals are fooled into divulging financial details and huge sums of money are taken away from their bank accounts.
ALSO READ
BCCI channels 'lockdown-style' secrecy for Team India in Perth
Smog creating lockdown-like situation in Pakistan
Consumer forum orders Rs 1 lakh refund to man who booked wedding hall during Covid-19 lockdown
Police swarm Georgia high school after it's placed on lockdown as students evacuated to stadium
Why more men are turning to crocheting
The targets are the global Internet-connected audience. These scams make use of different world events such as the 9/11 terror attacks, problems in Africa, the conflict Colombia, etc. The criminals pose as distressed individuals caught up in the vortex of these happenings and try to dupe unsuspecting netizens by getting their financial information.
The pandemic is another such event and the strategy is to keep up with the details of the COVID-19 fight and change tactics by using the latest information to dupe people. As criminals cast their phishing (pun intended) nets, trawling for targets, stay alert and a step ahead of them.
Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and a complete guide from food to things to do and events across Mumbai. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.
Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news
