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INTERPOL Global Awareness Campaign on COVID-19 - May 2020

INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate is running a global awareness campaign on COVID-19 cyberthreats from Monday 4 May for a month.

The main objectives are:

·         To raise public awareness of the existing and potential cyberthreats around COVID-19;

·         To support law enforcement mitigation and prevention efforts targeted against cybercrime related to COVID-19;

·         To promote good cyber hygiene during COVID-19 pandemic. 

And the expected outcomes are:

·        Delivery of coherent, tailored and targeted messages to communities worldwide together with law enforcement organizations and private partners to mitigate the cyberthreats related to COVID-19;

·         Reduction of the opportunities for cybercriminals to commit cybercrimes through public awareness on various COVID-19 cyberthreats;

·         Decrease in the impact and harm of cybercrime to better protect communities in the cyberspace amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Week 2 (starting from 11 May 2020) – Ransomware

Ransomware attack - When online always be careful about the sites that you connect to and if you don’t recognise the sender of an email, don’t open the attachment. Make sure you have up to date anti-virus and anti-malware protection installed and running on your computer.

Week 3 (starting from 18 May 2020) - Online Scams and Phishing (Malicious domains)

Where you believe you have been the victim of an online scam or fraud you should report it to your local Garda Station, and also use the online reporting service of the website or forum on which you were scammed. When reporting to your local Gardaí, bring copied of all emails, account details, copies of the advertisement of online posting and any other relevant information you may have.

Most users of the Internet will have fallen victim or encountered an online scam in which attackers attempt to obtain personal information such as logon profiles or banking details. In addition, users may have received emails offering them the change to share in a secret fortune or to claim their lottery win or tax refunds. These are some of the scams that circulate on the Internet and about which online users should be aware.

Complaints of online crime or those involving computers should first be made to your local Garda Station.

Week 4 (starting from 25 May 2020) - Working From Home threats

While social distancing, online video conferencing is a great way to keep in touch with family, friends, colleagues and clients.

You can chat or work face-2-face while minimising the risk from Covid19 contact.
However video conferencing can also be accessed by uninvited guests. Taking a few simple precautions can help to keep your meetings secure and ensure only welcome participants are involved.

The 4 ‘P’s of online video conferencing are simple precautions that should always be taken when using video conferencing Apps or platforms.

 Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the #COVID19 #outbreak to line their pockets and cause harm - but we can stop them together! Today #INTERPOL launches an awareness campaign on the top virus-related cyberthreats, along with ways to #WashYourCyberHands