Learning how to stay safe from hackers has become more crucial than ever as cyber criminals exploit the COVID-19 pandemic at an alarming rate. According to Barracuda Networks, these attacks have grown from 1,188 in February to 9,116 in March – that's a staggering 667% increase in criminal activity. Unfortunately, scammers are increasingly disguising themselves as legitimate organizations, from the World Health Organization to state welfare providers, attempting to trick vulnerable individuals and businesses.

During this challenging time, understanding how to be safe from hackers is essential for both personal and business security. Cyber actors are sending emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites, trying to extract sensitive information or solicit donations to fake charities. Additionally, scammers are pitching fake coronavirus treatments and work-from-home schemes through pre-recorded phone messages. Consequently, several authorities including the FBI and Department of Justice have established special channels to report these COVID-19 related fraud attempts. In this article, we'll explore how to stay safe from hackers online by identifying common scams, understanding their mechanisms, and implementing effective protective measures during this unprecedented crisis.

The most common COVID-19 cyber scams

Cyber criminals have unleashed an unprecedented wave of COVID-19 scams since the pandemic began. Phishing attempts exploiting people's curiosity for new information have skyrocketed, with scammers frequently impersonating the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO). These malicious actors send emails claiming to provide coronavirus updates while actually delivering malware through attachments or links to fake websites.

Furthermore, fraudsters are aggressively marketing bogus COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and test kits. The FDA warns that none of these products are legitimate, yet scammers continue selling them to exploit public fears.

Perhaps most concerning are the financial scams targeting vulnerable individuals. Criminals pose as government officials offering COVID-19 related grants or stimulus payments in exchange for personal information or "processing fees". Similarly, investment fraudsters promote stocks of companies supposedly developing coronavirus products, executing classic "pump-and-dump" schemes.

Meanwhile, fake charities have proliferated, requesting donations via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These scammers often use names resembling legitimate organizations, making them difficult to identify.

Notably, contact tracing impersonation has emerged as another threat, with scammers pretending to be health department officials to steal personal data. To stay safe from hackers online, maintain healthy skepticism toward unsolicited communications and verify information through official channels before taking action.

How these scams actually work

Behind the façade of COVID-19 scams lies a sophisticated operation designed to exploit human psychology. Essentially, cybercriminals capitalize on fear, curiosity, and urgency—creating a perfect storm for successful attacks. These operations typically begin with carefully crafted messages impersonating trusted authorities, often waiting 20 seconds before downloading payloads to evade detection.

Phishing websites have multiplied at an alarming rate, with Google registering 522,000 active phishing sites in March 2020—a 350% increase since January. These sites frequently feature fake login pages for credential harvesting, with coronavirus-themed domains being 50% more likely to be malicious than other domains.

Once a victim clicks a malicious link or opens an attachment, various payloads can be deployed:

• Malware like GuLoader downloads FormBook trojans that collect clipboard data, keylog activity, and steal browser information
• Ransomware such as "CovidLock" locks devices until a ransom (typically $100 in Bitcoin) is paid
• Information-stealing trojans search for credentials across numerous applications and browsers

Particularly concerning was the 530% surge in vaccine-related phishing from December 2020 to February 2021. Regardless of the specific tactic, the end goal remains consistent: stealing sensitive information or extorting money. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for those wondering how to stay safe from hackers during this ongoing crisis.

How to stay safe from hackers online during COVID-19

Protecting yourself from hackers during COVID-19 requires a multi-layered approach to security. As 61% of security and IT leaders worry about increased cyber-attacks targeting remote workers, implementing proven defenses has never been more critical.

First, practice smart password management. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible and create strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Moreover, update these credentials at least every 90 days.

For email safety, exercise extreme caution with COVID-19 related messages, especially those requesting personal information or containing attachments. Watch for telltale signs like generic greetings, urgent requests, and spelling errors. Never click suspicious links - instead, verify websites by checking for "https://" in the URL.

Secure your home network by enabling automatic updates for routers and modems, configuring firewalls with unique passwords, and using WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Therefore, disable WPS and UPnP features for added protection.

In order to verify information authenticity, rely solely on official sources like coronavirus.gov, cdc.gov, and who.int. Above all, maintain current security software - 26% of organizations have seen increased cyber-attacks since mid-March, making this step essential.

For charitable giving, verify organizations through sites like charitynavigator.org and never donate via gift cards or wire transfers.

Conclusion

COVID-19 has undeniably created a perfect breeding ground for cybercriminals looking to capitalize on our fears and uncertainties. These hackers work tirelessly to exploit the pandemic situation through sophisticated phishing campaigns, fake treatment offers, and financial scams that prey on vulnerable individuals. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and practice thorough digital hygiene throughout this crisis and beyond.

Staying safe from these cyber threats requires a combination of awareness and proactive security measures. First and foremost, we should approach all COVID-19 related communications with healthy skepticism, especially those requesting personal information or immediate action. Additionally, implementing strong password practices, securing home networks, and maintaining updated security software provide essential layers of protection against increasingly sophisticated attacks. The dramatic 667% increase in COVID-related cyber attacks serves as a stark reminder that criminals adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Still, knowledge remains our best defense. Consequently, verifying information through official channels before taking action will significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these scams.

The pandemic has certainly changed many aspects of our lives, including how we must think about online security. Though these threats continue to evolve, implementing the safety measures outlined in this article will help safeguard your personal information and financial assets during these challenging times. After all, understanding what hackers don't want you to know represents the first step toward effective protection against their malicious schemes.