Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the current pandemic by creating phishing campaigns to steal personal and financial information. The criminals are portraying themselves as the CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and WHO, the World Health Organization, and possibly other health organizations, as well. 

 

The CDC and WHO have both issued warnings. 

 

These emails often include an attachment that claims to provide information on how to prevent the spread of influenza or a map of the coronavirus spread. The attachment will download malware onto your company or personal computer network system. 

 

Do not open any attachments or click into links from an unsolicited email or from a sender you do not recognize and practice caution in giving out personal information. You should not be required to give a username and password to access public access information. 

 

The CDC and WHO are working with law enforcement officials to crack down on hackers exploiting the current situation. In the meantime, use appropriate email practice and caution to identify phishing emails and report them when found.