Exponential Increase in Cyber attacks- Reports WHO

The World Health organisation reported that there is a dramatic increase in the number of cyber attacks directed at its staff, and email scams targeting the public at large. 

Few weeks ago a large number of WHO email addresses and passwords were leaked online along with thousands belonging to others working on the novel coronavirus response. 

The leaked credentials did not put WHO systems at risk because the data was not recent. However, the attack did impact an older extranet system, used by current and retired staff as well as partners. 

WHO is now migrating affected systems to a more secure authentication system. 

Scammers impersonating WHO in emails have also increasingly targeted the general public in order to channel donations to a fictitious fund.

WHO is working with the private sector to establish more robust internal systems and to strengthen security measures and is educating staff on cybersecurity risks.

WHO asks the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent emails and recommends the use of reliable sources to obtain factual information about COVID-19 and other health issues.

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