Autonom-inc – Detection technology from cyber security company Kaspersky has discovered a malicious file disguised as a document related to the corona virus, now the top of the media headlines because it claimed hundreds of lives. Dangerous files found disguised under the guise of pdf, mp4, docx files about the corona virus.

Malware Kaspersky analyst Anton Ivanov said, the corona virus, which is being widely discussed as headlines, has been used as bait by cyber criminals. “So far we have only seen a total of 10 unique files, but because of activities that often occur with popular topics in the media, we expect this trend to increase,” he said in a written statement, February 3, 2020.

The file names imply that they contain video instructions on how to protect themselves from viruses, the latest information about threats, even virus detection procedures, which are actually fake. The files contain various threats from Trojans to worms that are capable of destroying, blocking, modifying or copying data, as well as disrupting the operation of computers or computer networks.

Kaspersky detects corona virus related files with names namely: Worm.VBS.Dinihou.r, Worm.Python.Agent.c, UDS: DangerousObject.Multi.Generic, Trojan.WinLNK.Agent.gg, Trojan.WinLNK.Agent. ew, HEUR: Trojan.WinLNK.Agent.gen, and HEUR: Trojan.PDF.Badur.b.

“When people still have concerns about their health, we might see more and more malware hidden in fake documents about the spread of the corona virus,” Anton Ivanov said.

To avoid becoming a victim of malicious programs disguised as exclusive content, Kaspersky recommends a number of steps. First, always avoid suspicious links, which promise exclusive content. Refer to official sources for information that is legal and trustworthy.

Second, look at the downloaded file extension. Documents and video files should not be created in .exe or .lnk format. And third, use reliable security solutions, such as Kaspersky Security Cloud, for comprehensive protection from various threats.