The spread of coronavirus has sparked an onslaught of online scams, as cybercriminals prey on people’s skyrocketing stress and unusual work environments. Ann Johnson, who heads Microsoft’s Cybersecurity Solutions Group, which sells cybersecurity products and services to businesses, said she and cybersecurity professionals at other companies confer multiple times a week on ways to tamp down swindles.
While coronavirus-related ransomware, phishing and other attacks make up only 2% of the threats Microsoft tracks daily, Johnson said they stand out for the way they exploit people’s fear and confusion about the pandemic.