Skip to main content

Hackers using Johns Hopkins’ online coronavirus dashboard to trick victims

Hackers continue to elevate their malware-spreading practices amid the coronavirus scare, as they are now tricking victims using one of the most reliable online tools for information about the pandemic.

An online dashboard created by Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering brings together data from several official bodies, including the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Protection. The dashboard maps the locations of confirmed and suspected cases, deaths, and recoveries linked to the coronavirus, officially named COVID-19.

However, cybersecurity blogger Brian Krebs revealed that even such an important thing may be twisted to serve the needs of hackers. Krebs wrote in a blog post that Johns Hopkins’ coronavirus dashboard is being used in malicious websites and possibly also in spam e-mails to spread malware.

Krebs flagged a “digital coronavirus infection kit” that was being sold online to for up to $700. It bundles a supposed version of the Johns Hopkins map with the hackers’ preferred payload, such as password-stealing malware.

Jill Rosen, a spokeswoman for Johns Hopkins, said that the university knows about the malware that is impersonating its coronavirus dashboard. She issued a warning that people should only trust the map found on the Johns Hopkins website and the one maintained by ArcGIS. These maps do not require any downloads, while the malware taking advantage of the online tools require potential victims to do so, according to Rosen.

“If you receive an email containing a link to download such an item or come across the code for the malicious app, please report it immediately to the Esri incident response team through ArcGIS Trust Center security concern page,” said Rosen.

Despicable acts

Hackers have been trying to take advantage of the fear over the coronavirus outbreak since earlier in the year, including through spam emails with Microsoft Word attachments. The documents supposedly contain more information about the coronavirus, but upon opening them, they will launch commands that will download malware into the victim’s computer.

While the coronavirus pandemic is still a threat, it appears that people should not only be worried about protecting their health but also their computers from the various despicable ways that hackers may think of to take advantage of the situation.

Editors' Recommendations

Aaron Mamiit
Aaron received a NES and a copy of Super Mario Bros. for Christmas when he was 4 years old, and he has been fascinated with…
How coronavirus is forcing online learning to evolve
online school materials

Education is at a crossroads right now, where the choice is between clinging to old practices and theories or redefining learning in the age of COVID-19. The pandemic more commonly known as the coronavirus has forced schools around the world to close, prompting a chaotic scramble to move online and find a way to somehow finish out semesters.

Online resources like Kaltura and Coursera — platforms that support course creation and video hosting for schools — have seen spikes in use as professors scramble to figure out how to teach online, as well as interest from clients and potential partners. Coursera and Kaltura have also announced they are offering some of their premium services and course content for free, for a limited time.

Read more
How HP is using 3D printing to help fight the coronavirus
HP 3D Printed Masks

HP pledged to use its 3D printing teams to make much-needed hospital supplies to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19.

The tech company has set up a dedicated website for healthcare workers to find a 3D printing partner to create much-needed medical supplies, equipment, or devices. Designs include field respirators, face shields, hands-free door openers, mask adjusters, and more. 

Read more
French police the latest to use speaker drones to enforce coronavirus lockdown
Drone Sunset

A growing number of countries are imposing lockdowns as part of efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus, formally known as COVID-19.

Lockdowns are currently in place in countries such as Italy, Spain, and France, which have ordered their citizens to stay indoors and only go out if absolutely necessary. Similarly drastic measures are being taken in states across the U.S., among them California, New York, and New Jersey.

Read more