Experts have already identified more than 5,000 phishing websites

Kaspersky's cybersecurity experts have already identified more than 5,000 phishing websites related to the new coronavirus pandemic. Phishing websites or emails try to steal users' credentials. "The most common techniques used by cybercriminals include various bogus offers, such as discounted COVID-19 tests, which link to fake payment sites," experts said. Recently, advertisements for fake QR codes and vaccination certificates, which users need when visiting restaurants or public events, are also popular. According to experts, fraudulent activities on topics related to the new coronavirus pandemic culminated in March this year. Then they saw a decline, but later cybercriminals intensified their efforts again. For most pandemic fraud, cyber-attackers focus on obtaining user data. "Phishing is often used for this purpose: a user clicks on a link from an advertisement or e-mail and is taken to a page where they are required to enter personal and credit card information. Once attacked, attackers can use it to steal money from the account of the deceived victim, "explained Alexey Marchenko of the company. The expert warns that if a user receives a message about the pandemic, he should always check that the information comes from an official source and never enter his personal data on suspicious sites. In addition, experts recommend being skeptical of any unusually generous offers and promotions. "Do not click on suspicious e-mail links or links that you have received through communication applications or social networks," the experts continue. You also always need to verify the authenticity of any unknown websites and it is a good idea to use security solutions.