Beware! Fake COVID-19 Vaccine Registration SMS Message in Circulation, Aims to Install Malware On Android Devices

Another witnessed an increase in scam activities amid the pandemic and it has now come to light that a fake SMS message is circulating in India claiming to offer a Covid-19 vaccine registration app.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued an advisory on May 8, 2021, which reads: “The SMS message carries a link that installs the malicious application on Android-based devices, which essentially it is transmitted by SMS to victims. “contacts. The application also gains unnecessary permissions that attackers could take advantage of to acquire user data such as the contact list ”.

The malicious application that is considered circulated has different names, including Covid-19.apk, Vaci__Regis.apk, MyVaccin_v2.apk, Cov-Regis.apk, and Vccin-Apply.apk. Simply put, the fake message comes with a link that automatically downloads malware to a user’s smartphone when it is clicked. CERT-In has recommended some security measures in its notice that all users should take into account to avoid falling victim to this scam. In accordance with the recommendations, Indian users are advised to always use the official CoWIN portal to register for the Covid-19 vaccine in the country.

Don’t trust other third-party apps or messages that claim to sign up for the Covid-19 vaccine. Beware of fake calls, emails, or domains that claim to offer the vaccine record. Always verify the authenticity of a third-party website that claims to offer registration. For additional protection, you can also rely on secure browsing tools and antivirus software to protect your smartphones and devices from malware.