Malicious email scams about COVID-19

With public concern around COVID-19 growing, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has observed an increase in phishing emails and fake websites related to the virus.

Malicious cyber actors are quick to take advantage of high profile events, particularly those that cause worry and concern.

These emails may appear to be from a legitimate source, but they contain malicious attachments or links. There have been recent instances in which phishing has been used in an attempt to impersonate various health agencies.

If you receive any suspicious email, please report it using the fish hook button in Outlook.

These tips will help you identify phishing emails:

• Be extra cautious if the email tone is urgent.
• Make sure the link or the attachment is relevant to the content of the email.
• If you were not expecting an attachment, verify with the sender.
• Make sure URLs are spelled correctly.
• Directly type the URL in the search bar instead of clicking on a provided link.
• If you must click on a link, hover your mouse over the link to check if it directs to the right website.

More information on phishing is also available.

For the latest and most up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s webpage on the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and ESDC’s iService COVID-19 page.

The department will also be sharing updates through a dedicated webpage and Twitter account on COVID-19, @STP_PTS. Please follow us here: https://twitter.com/STP_PTS.

***Managers, please share the webpage and Twitter information with your staff***

Peter Littlefield
Chief Information Officer
Employment and Social Development Canada/Government of Canada

This message has been approved by ESDC. Please visit iService if you are concerned about the authenticity of the message.