COVID-19 and Cyber Threats

Important information regarding COVID-19 and cyber threats.

Malicious actors are launching cyber attacks capitalizing on the global concern over COVID-19. Email and social media-based phishing scams referencing the virus (or cure) attempt to convince recipients to:

• open links or attachments
• direct users to malicious websites or deliver malware
• reply to solicitations for sensitive information
• or donate to fraudulent causes

Security researchers found that coronavirus-themed websites are 50 percent more likely to be malicious than other domains; over 4,000 coronavirus-related domains have been registered since January 2020. Malicious websites purporting to be the live map for COVID-19 global cases run by Johns Hopkins University are circulating. These websites infect site visitors.  Researchers believe the website is being spread via infected email attachments, malicious advertisements, and social engineering.  Over the last week, we have noted a significant uptick in malicious coronavirus-themed emails targeting State of New Jersey employees.  We recommend that users remain vigilant and exercise caution with coronavirus-themed emails, posts, and links, ensuring to only use trusted sources – such as official government websites – for information on COVID-19.

NJCCIC provides public advisories and a site featuring cybersecurity resources. See the links below:

Suspicious (phishing) emails should be reported to phishing@stockton.edu.
If you suspect that you are being targeted by a cyber-attacker, please contact information.security@stockton.edu. 

Please refer to the official University site for localized updates related to the coronavirus.