by Adv. Lufuno Khorommbi, Cyber Law Consultant and MD: Orizur Consulting Enterprise
Did you know that internet users are not only having to protect themselves from Covid-19; but from online vulnerabilities as well? During the wake of Covid-19 being declared a world crisis; cyber criminals (hackers) jumped at an opportunity to deceive internet users? It does seem that internet users are not only having to fight against Covid-19 virus, but against cyber-attacks as well. Since everyone is genuinely seeking to know more about Covid-19, they saw an opportunity to defraud internet users.
Cyber criminals have developed a Ransomware called Covid-19 Tracker App. Ransomware is one of the malicious software (malware) which is becoming the most popular way that cyber criminals are using to defraud internet users oblivious of the danger lurking around.
The App is intended to deceive internet users into believing that it is a genuine source of information for Covid-19 developments and updates. Though it is named after the virus – Covid-19 – the App should not be mistaken to be a helpful tool to internet users, but a harmful tool.
Covid-19 App Tracker is positioned to convince an internet user to download the App, only to regret it later. The App is not a genuine App looking after the interest of internet users but a ransomware after the internet users’ money.
Regrettably, when this App is downloaded, it locks your device until such time you are able to pay the hackers the demanded ransom. However, should the user not be able to pay the ransom, there is a possible risk that the hackers would hold onto the keys, denying the user access to the device and critical information or worse, wipe out the data held in the locked device.
If you ever see a popup screen prompting you to download this App, IGNORE. If you happen to receive this App on social media from a friend or via email from the hackers, please delete and DO NOT FORWARD as you’ll be endangering other internet users.
To further push their ill agenda, they have also developed bogus websites to hoax internet users. Therefore, if an internet user receives an email with an embedded link claiming to be from the World Health Organisation (WHO) or National Department of Health. It is nothing but a scam luring internet user to the scammer’s website.
Recommended online behaviour
Anyone can be a victim of this ransomware, Covid-19 Tracker App. Our online behaviour can protect us or leave us vulnerable to cyber-attacks. As we make efforts to protect ourselves from Covid-19, we also have the responsibility to protect ourselves against online vulnerabilities.
It is recommended that internet users practice the following helpful online practices / behaviour to minimise online vulnerabilities:
avoid downloading anything online unless the user knows and or has verified the source and or origin.
avoid following an email embedded link or click on popup websites. Such behaviour opens up internet users to all sorts of online vulnerabilities including having their personal information accessible to cyber-attackers.
switch off the following Apps whilst not being used: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Location to avoid intrusion of privacy.
refrain from using public Wi-Fi, particularly to access important Apps such as email, WhatsApp.
refrain from sharing personal information on social media.
download public Apps about Covid-19 from official App stores or Apps’ origin official website.
* Photo by Michael Geiger on Unsplash
Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi (Ms) is a specialist Cyber Law Consultant and the Managing Director of Orizur Consulting Enterprise. Her expertise lies in cyber law, cyber security, IT Procurement, Contract Management, Research and Policy Management. She is a Mentee of the Cherie Blair Foundation Global Women’s Mentoring Programme; a Member of South Africa Institute of Intellectual Property Law; a MICT SETA 4IR Advisory Committee Member; LLM specialization in IT Law; Certified in CIO Practice; she holds a Certificate in Cyber Security and a Certificate in Legislative Drafting. Find out more by visiting Lufuno’s website www.orizur.co.za.
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