Coronavirus Exploitation: Scam of the Month

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    Text on a grey background reads "SCAM OF THE MONTH: EXPLOITING THE CORONAVIRUS - FEAR OF INFECTION" with a small image of a person running from a larger shadow behind them. CyberDefense™ by CalTech at the top left.

    The newest Coronavirus-themed phishing attack may be the most ruthless yet. Cybercriminals are sending emails that appear to be from a hospital and warn that you have been exposed to the virus through contact with a colleague, friend, or family member. Attached to the email is a “pre-filled” form to download and take with you to the hospital. Don’t be fooled. The attachment is actually a sophisticated piece of malware. This threat relies on panic and fear to bypass rational thinking. Don’t give in!

    Remember to stay vigilant:

    • Think before you click. The bad guys rely on impulsive clicking.
    • Never download an attachment from an email you weren’t expecting.
    • Even if the sender appears to be from a familiar organization, the email address could be spoofed.

    Stop, Look, and Think.

    Don’t be fooled.

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    Team Integris

    Team Integris is made up of writers, editors, and subject matter experts from across our organization. Whether we're covering cybersecurity trends, IT best practices, or the technology challenges facing businesses, our goal is the same: to deliver clear, helpful content grounded in real-world experience.