Ministry of Digital Economy warns: Hackers use coronavirus concerns to trick you

Jordan

Published: 2020-03-19 11:32

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 11:41


This is how the application looks like
This is how the application looks like

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship warned today against an application that tricks users into allowing them to monitor the number of coronavirus cases in the world, but instead turns off their phones, encrypts their data, and then requests a ransom to retrieve it.

In a statement, the Ministry indicated that the "COVID19 Tracker" application is disguised as a virus-tracking one that purports to provide users with statistical information about the virus, in addition to graphics and maps.

"However, once the application is downloaded, the app locks the device screen and shows a note that the phone will be encrypted, with all content (contacts, photos, videos, etc.) erased, unless the victim pays $100 in (bitcoin) within the next 48 hours," the statement added.

The Ministry urged citizens to be extra cautious from such applications, and obtain the correct information directly from official sources, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or official government websites (corona.moh.gov.jo).

Also read: Health Ministry: COVID-19 patients in good health, except for two

JAF close all crossing points from and to Amman and all the Kingdom's governorates this morning