The COVID-19 outbreak creates the perfect storm for a new proliferation of cyber crime. With an unprecedented number of employees suddenly working remotely, cybersecurity and data privacy programs are being pushed to their limits. An extraordinary number of people are confined to their homes accessing the internet for both work and entertainment. Psychologically, many are anxious about COVID-19 and want to do something to help. For cyber criminals, this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Opportunity of a Lifetime for Cyber Scams

Scammers are creating fake websites and apps in an attempt to exploit the public’s demand for updated information about the spread of COVID-19. For example, the popular Johns Hopkins COVID-19 website has generated a cottage industry of imposters linking to malware.