The cybersecurity team of Masaryk University would like to inform you about an increased risk of being targeted by fraudulent e-mails in upcoming days, so-called spear-phishing. Fraudulent e-mails could also misuse the current situation around the coronavirus pandemic. Given the nature and possible consequences of this situation, we would like to give you more details.
In the time of coronavirus pandemic, we need to be vigilant. The attackers exploit the fear and uncertainty of users. We would like to inform you about the current threat of cyber attacks on information and communication systems in the Czech Republic. The most endangered targets are hospitals and other healthcare facilities. However, universities and other important targets are also at risk.
According to the National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NÚKIB), a wave of the most intensive cyber attacks can be expected in upcoming days. However, there are also indications that the preparatory phase of the attacks is already in progress, namely via a spear-phishing campaign. The National Cyber and Information Security Agency assesses this threat level as High – the threat is probable to highly probable. You can find more information here.
More sophisticated attack than Phishing, which uses prior obtained information about the victim. Due to a more focused targeting of specific individuals or groups of users, this method attains a higher effectivity.
In connection with the current situation, we would like to point out Cybercompass – our course about the fundamentals of information security for users. Especially its online lesson on Self-defense and Phishing guide.
Please, be wary. If you receive a suspicious e-mail, feel free to report it to the CSIRT-MU team at csirt@muni.cz
Returning to study mode and semester-related responsibilities can sometimes be challenging. But the attackers from cyberspace never sleep. They don’t wait for us to settle in semester again. That’s why we shouldn’t hesitate and make sure, that we know, how to face traps we may encounter during the semester.
We draw your attention to a phishing campaign that has been running since around the beginning of August. It uses the offer of a housing allowance from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs as a motive. Fraudulent messages are spread via e-mail or text messages.
