The Department of Health and Human Services has issued an alert of a fake malicious COVID-19 website pretending to be a live map for the COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins University. Visiting the website infects the computer with an information stealing program which can ex-filtrate a variety of sensitive data.

More information, including a screenshot of the fake map, can be found HERE.

UMass Lowell Information Security would like to remind our community to remain vigilant for scams related to coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Cyber criminals may send phishing emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes. Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts or calls related to COVID-19.

We encourage individuals to remain vigilant and take the following precautions:
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments
• Use trusted sources — such as legitimate, government websites—for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID-19
• Do not reveal personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information
• Verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations. Review the Federal Trade Commission’s page on Charity Scams for more information

If you feel you have received a phishing email please report it to infosec@uml.edu.