The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has issued a warning to its member countries regarding a surge in cybercrime amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The agency has identified a shift in crime patterns and cautions that major hospitals and other frontline institutions are being targeted by cybercriminals with ransomware attacks.
Interpol’s Warning on Cyber Attacks
A warning has been dispatched to 194 nations, including India, stating that healthcare institutions have become victims of ransomware attacks. Interpol’s Cybercrime Threat Response Team specifically noted an increase in attempts against critical organisations engaged in combatting the virus outbreak. In these incidents, cybercriminals utilise ransomware to digitally seize control of hospital and medical services, preventing access to vital files and systems until a ransom has been paid. This method aims to lock these frontliners out of their systems to extract payments, severely hindering the swift medical response crucially needed during this crisis, potentially leading to fatalities.
Spreading Mechanisms and Mitigation Efforts
These ransomware attacks have primarily been disseminated through emails falsely claiming to contain government-sourced coronavirus information or advice, luring recipients into opening infected links or attachments. Prevention and mitigation measures are vitally important to halt these attacks. Interpol not only offers its continued support to member countries but is also committed to ensuring that healthcare systems remain unaffected and those criminals held accountable. The organisation recently issued a Purple Notice, aiming to exchange information about the modus operandi, devices, and concealment methods employed by the criminals.
Action Taken By India’s Government
Upon receipt of the alert regarding potential ransomware/malware attacks, the Government of India quickly relayed the information to relevant departments. They have cautioned institutions and individuals against opening any coronavirus-related emails or links unless they originate from trusted sources, such as government agencies. The possibility of email spoofing—where suspects remotely send emails appearing to be from known contacts—has also been highlighted.
Interpol At A Glance
As an intergovernmental organisation, Interpol coordinates the activity of police forces from its 194 member countries. Each of these nations hosts an Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) that connects their law enforcement with those of other countries and with the General Secretariat. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) serves as the National Central Bureau of India, linking it to the General Secretariat that offers a range of expertise and services from its headquarters in Lyon, France.
The Changing Face of Crime
Interpol warns of a shifting crime landscape. With a majority of people now working from home due to the pandemic, fraudulent activities involving personal protective equipment and anti-viral medicines have increased. The lockdown period has witnessed an uptick in business establishments and factories becoming vulnerable to theft, while home burglaries have dropped. In addition, domestic violence cases and online child exploitation have spiked since the start of coronavirus-related quarantines.