Researchers say fears of Coronavirus-Themed Phishing are exaggerated.

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Publicated : 03/12/2024   Category : security


In recent months, the world has been grappling with the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic. As countries around the world work to contain the spread of the virus and develop effective responses, one area of concern has been the rise in phishing attacks related to the coronavirus. However, researchers say that fears about coronavirus-themed phishing may be largely overblown.

What is coronavirus-themed phishing?

Coronavirus-themed phishing refers to a type of cyberattack where scammers use the COVID-19 pandemic as a backdrop to trick individuals into clicking on malicious links or providing personal information. These attacks often take on the guise of emails or messages from legitimate sources, such as healthcare organizations or government agencies, in an attempt to convince users to divulge sensitive data.

How prevalent is coronavirus-themed phishing?

While there has been an increase in coronavirus-themed phishing attacks since the start of the pandemic, researchers have found that these attacks may not be as widespread as initially feared. In a recent study, experts discovered that many of the reported cases of coronavirus-themed phishing were actually low in number, with only a small percentage of emails containing malicious links.

Why are fears about coronavirus-themed phishing overblown?

Researchers attribute the perception of a high prevalence of coronavirus-themed phishing attacks to the widespread media coverage of the pandemic. As the virus continues to dominate headlines and conversations, scammers are taking advantage of the heightened state of fear and uncertainty to carry out their attacks. However, experts believe that the actual number of successful phishing attempts may be lower than initially feared.

How can individuals protect themselves from coronavirus-themed phishing attacks?

Despite the lower-than-expected prevalence of coronavirus-themed phishing attacks, it is still important for individuals to take steps to protect themselves online. Some basic tips include:

  • Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages related to COVID-19
  • Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources
  • Verify the authenticity of emails by contacting the supposed sender through official channels
  • What are some red flags to look out for in coronavirus-themed phishing emails?

    There are several red flags that individuals can use to identify potential coronavirus-themed phishing emails. Some common warning signs include:

    • Request for sensitive personal information, such as passwords or financial details
    • Urgent language or demands for immediate action
    • Unsolicited requests for donations or payments related to COVID-19 relief efforts
    • What should individuals do if they suspect they have received a coronavirus-themed phishing email?

      If individuals receive an email that they suspect may be a phishing attempt, it is important to take immediate action to protect their personal information. Some steps to consider include:

      • Do not click on any links or download any attachments in the email
      • Report the suspicious email to the appropriate authorities, such as your email provider or local law enforcement
      • Update your passwords and monitor your accounts for any unusual activity
      • By remaining vigilant and taking proactive steps to protect themselves online, individuals can reduce the risk of falling victim to coronavirus-themed phishing attacks. While the threat of cyberattacks is an ongoing concern, researchers suggest that fears about the prevalence of coronavirus-themed phishing may be largely overblown.


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        Researchers say fears of Coronavirus-Themed Phishing are exaggerated.