FIVE FRAUDULENT VACCINE APPS – COWIN GOVERNMENT WANTS YOU TO STAY AWAY FROM

The Indian Computer Emergency Reaction Team (CERT-In) has issued a fresh advisory to caution residents about fake CoWin vaccine registration apps spreading out through SMS. Offered the rush to book vaccine slots, the wrongdoers are benefiting from this desperation.

CERT-In mentioned that fake messages remain in circulation through SMS that incorrectly declares to offer an app to let users sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine in India. While the specific wordings of the SMS might vary from time to time, the SMS recommend users download any of the 5 APK files on their Android phones and set up the app. Here are the five APK files you must not download on your Android phones, as these are malware in disguise.

 

” Covid-19. apk”.

” Cov-Regis. apk”.

” Vccin-Apply. apk”.

” Vaci __ Regis.apk”.

” MyVaccin_v2. apk”.

” The SMS message brings a link that installs the malicious app on Android-based gadgets, which spreads itself through SMS to victims’ contacts. The app also gains unnecessary consents that opponents might utilize to get useful information such as contact list,” CERT-In said in its advisory.

These fake apps are just phishing efforts made to steal passwords and other personal information. “Be careful about phishing and fake domains, e-mails, text and call which falsely claim covid vaccine registrations,” it added.

In India, the whole vaccination process is digitally managed and to get a vaccine. All citizens will need to register either on the Cowin site (cowin.gov.in) or on the Aarogya Setu app. While there are several 3rd party vaccine trackers from Paytm, HealthifyMe and others, these sites can not help you sign up for the vaccine and only supply info on the vaccine schedule.

Likewise, the agency warned individuals not to submit any financial and personal details to unidentified and unknown sites and apps.

 

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