Beware of online scams using names of video-conferencing apps

Image: vladacanon/IStock.com via AFP Relaxnews

Anti-virus software publisher Kaspersky has warned of a wave of attacks using the names of video-conferencing apps, which are particularly in vogue in the current period of stay-at-home orders and remote working.

Experts at Kaspersky have identified numerous threats to applications of this type, which are being extensively used during the current crisis. A recent survey by the company has detected close to 1,300 malicious files bearing the names of market leaders such as Zoom, Webex and Slack, all tools that are well known to professionals.

Nearly half (42%) of the files targeted Zoom, which has recently sparked controversy for covert data mining and circulating personal data.

These applications, which are particularly sought-after in the current lockdown because they enable users to conduct video conferences with colleagues and also friends and family, are also a vector for the transmission of malware. The two most common threats identified were the adware families DealPly and DownloadSponsor.

A few weeks ago, the company already warned against attempted phishing attacks that aimed to exploit concern over the coronavirus by targeting users with emails purporting to be from the World Health Organization, which are designed to install ransomware and other viruses. JB

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