Nokia Threat Intelligence Lab which is into the detection of malware on IoT devices has started to detect cyber threats related to COVID 19. And as per their study, currently, they are two main types of malware that are circulating on the web and related to Coronavirus Outbreak.
The first one happens to be a Trojan that is targeting Windows machines tricking users to download a real map where the Novel COVID 19 infection is seen spreading at an alarming rate. But in reality, it is a kind of malware that steals credentials and their info.
Secondly is a ransomware related malware which is seen infecting Android-based smartphones. Dubbed as the CovidLock Android Ransomware app that prevents to alert its users when a COVID 19 patient is nearby. But it is a fake app that starts locking down the device until a ransom is paid. The same case is with another app called Corona Safety Mask SMS scam that tends to help users find safety masks in their vicinity. But in reality, it locks down the device until a $250 ransom is paid.
So, security researchers from Nokia are warning online users against these apps and Trojans and are asking them to stay away from all such apps which are related in some way or the other to Corona Pandemic spread.
Note 1- Nokia Threat Intelligence Lab focuses more on tracking down malware infections targeting communication systems and networks. Recently, it has shifted its focus to the Internet of Things(IoT).
Note 2- Nokia offers NetGuard Security Suite which reportedly offers protection against a variety of malware and bots. As the suite analyzes, correlates, and aggregates security data from varied data sources, such as endpoint security software, it helps security teams mitigate cyber risks, thus improving the decision-making skills of CIOs and CTOs.
