"#COVID19 Phishing Emails Surge 500% on Omicron Concerns"

Researchers at Barracuda Networks observed a 667% month-on-month surge in COVID-19 phishing emails from February to March 2020. The security vendor also observed another significant increase when new vaccines were released at the start of 2021. Now public concern over the highly transmissible Omicron variant is catching the eye of phishers. The researchers discovered that the latest COVID-19 variant has led to a 521% increase in phishing attacks using the virus as a lure to trick users into clicking. The researchers stated that among the tactics used to trick users into clicking on malicious links and/or entering personal details are offers of counterfeit or unauthorized COVID-19 tests and protective equipment such as masks or gloves. The researchers noted that some adversaries are impersonating testing labs and providers or even employees sharing their results. In other phishing emails, the user may receive a fake notification for an unpaid order of tests and is urged to provide their PayPal details to complete the delivery of the kit.

Infosecurity reports: "#COVID19 Phishing Emails Surge 500% on Omicron Concerns"