Android Ransomware

DomainTools discovered that domain names associated with COVID-19 and Coronavirus have spiked in the past few weeks, and many of those domains are considered malicious. One that caught their eye was a website that offers a real-time coronavirus outbreak tracker as an Android app.

The app says that it offers many features like a heat map and other statistical data about COVID-19, but this app is instead ransomware. When downloading the app, it will ask for administrative access promising that this will allow certain types of information. If the app is given administrative access, it is given the opportunity to lock up all contacts, pictures, videos, and social media accounts unless their ransom is paid in Bitcoin. If the ransom is not paid, the attacker threatens to release all private information publicly and erase the phone's memory.

DomainTools offers tips on how to better protect against ransomware and other malware that tries to capitalize on coronavirus. They first state to be sure to only use trusted information sources from the government and research websites, and not to click on anything health related in your emails. Next they ask Android users to ensure that they download apps from the Google Play store, as third-party stores have a much higher risk of downloading malware.

For more information, please check out:

https://www.domaintools.com/resources/blog/covidlock-mobile-coronavirus-tracking-app-coughs-up-ransomware

https://www.us-cert.gov/Ransomware

Tripwire has released an article warning of these COVID19-related phishing scams. This article can be found at this link: https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/security-awareness/covid-19-scam-roundup-may-11-2020/

(Fake) Work From Home Offers

PhishLabs discovered a phishing email attack aiming to entice people laid off due to COVID-19 with a work from home opportunity. The one email they found offered $5000 a month for a fake position. If the reader replies, they are asked for personal and financial information and will be given a more detailed job description involving transfering money through the readers accounts. The malicious actors might not only steal money from the readers account, but also could use the reader as a money mule meaning that they could be held liable for the stolen money that passes through their account. 

(Fake) IRS Page

Researchers at SecureWorks discovered malicious actors targeting readers with a phishing page designed to look like a tax form given by the IRS. The attack is believed to be distributed through email attacks, and the goal of this attack is stealing the readers tax information. Once the malicious actor has the information, they can then impersonate the reader on the official IRS tax form meaning that they will collect not only their tax return but their stimulus checks as well.

Impersonating Institute of CPAs

The Microsoft Security Intelligence team discovered that some digital attackers were using COVID-19 themed attack campaigns to distribute malware. One example they found showed a malicious actor impersonating the Institute of CPAs. In their emails they were claiming to be delivering COVID-19 related updates to its members as well as containing a ZIP file. The file is instead an executable that will allow the malicious actor to take control of the affected machine.

Email Attacks

Tripwire has released an article warning of these COVID-19 related email scams. The article can be found at this link: https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/security-awareness/covid-19-scam-roundup-may-4-2020/

(FAKE) Failed Delivery Notice

They report on a finding from Kaspersky Labs, where they warn of a spam email campaign informing recipients that a delivery attempt had failed because their shipment details were incorrect and the reader needs to update their details. An image of a receipt is included in the message.  The receipt is too small to read easily, so the recipient will probably click on it for a better look. Clicking on the attachment will load spyware onto the user's device.

(FAKE) Donation to WHO

A malicious actor sent out emails urging recipients to consider donating to the World Health Organization. The email has a from address of “support@covid-19[.]world” and includes a link at the bottom saying “Help Us Fight”.  Clicking the link will take the reader to a malicious domain help-who[.]com. For readers to donate they must click on the embedded link which allows the malicious actors to steal the reader’s payment information.

(FAKE) Update to Family and Medical Leave Act

Finally the article reports that IBM X-Force discovered a phishing email campaign that seemed to be from the US Department of Labor. The email states they have made changes to the “Family and Medical Leave of Act” as a result of COVID-19. This email then asks readers to review the attached word document. The attachment will install malware which puts the reader’s computer under the control of a botnet.

The UMBC Division of Information Technology received notification of a new job scam variant on 08may2020.  The subject is: UMBC COVID-19 INFORMATION

From: Koyepes Michael <michaelkoyepes199@gmail.com>

Date: Fri, May 8, 2020 at 9:54 AM

Subject: UMBC COVID-19 INFORMATION

Dear students,

University of Maryland, Baltimore County health professionals have been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 over the past two months.Therefore the university is organizing an online part time job to sustain the students living.I'm happy to inform you that our reputable company CORESTAFF SERVICES Inc®,is currently running a student empowerment program.

    KINDLY EMAIL BACK WITH YOUR  PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS IF INTERESTED IN THIS JOB POSITION.

Kind Regards

Koyepes Michael

HR Manager/Consultant

CORESTAFF SERVICES Inc®

This is a scam!  DO NOT REPLY TO IT!

A reply confirms that your UMBC email address is active.  That is an invitation to get more spam.  You are also asked to provide your personal address.  That’s two addresses for spamming.   You may then be asked to fill out a form with personal information which can then be added to your email address.  That means, at least, that the spam can be targeted to you.  If you provide information such as your birthdate, address, or social security number, the information can also be used for identity theft.  

Even if you are tempted to send the scammer a hostile, insulting message,

DO NOT REPLY!

You will not hurt the scammer’s feelings.  You will simply provide information about yourself directly or indirectly.

E-mail fraud is in the rise. The Division of Information Technology is tracking it. If you get suspicious email, please forward it to security@umbc.edu. If you are not sure whether it is suspicious, forward it anyway. We will investigate it and get back to you.