Authorities sound alarm on counterfeit vaccines

PETALING JAYA: Authorities across the globe are on the lookout for fake Covid-19 vaccines being peddled online, as cybersecurity experts sound the alarm on such false claims.

Following a slew of news announcements of vaccines being approved, law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts are warning that criminals might prey on those desperate for the doses.

Researchers at cybersecurity company Check Point Software found posts claiming to sell a range of Covid-19 vaccines or remedies on the dark web.

(The dark web is a part of the Internet that is accessible only through special networks, allowing its users and operators to remain anonymous.)

The report noted that these so-called vaccines were being peddled for US$250 (about RM1,013), with payments to be made in bitcoin.

“When researchers communicated with one vendor, they offered to sell an unspecified Covid-19 vaccine for 0.01 BTC (about RM922), and claimed that 14 doses were required.

“This advice contradicts official announcements, which state that some Covid-19 vaccines require two shots per person, ” it said.

The researchers also found that such criminals have also capitalised on vaccine-related news by creating phishing email campaigns which deliver malware when clicked.

Supply chain security experts interviewed by the Financial Post also warned that there is a risk that vaccines will be stolen and diverted on the black market.

While there seems to be no evidence of physical raids on the Covid-19 vaccines, hospitals and healthcare facilities have reported being struck by phishing and ransomware attacks.

Valid credentials of individuals with pre-existing health conditions were also being “sold” on the dark web so that buyers could pre-book vaccine orders.

On Dec 2, Interpol issued a global alert to prepare for organised crime networks which are targeting Covid-19 vaccines, both physically and online.

The alert “outlines potential criminal activity in relation to the falsification, theft and illegal advertising of Covid-19 and flu vaccines, with the pandemic having already triggered unprecedented opportunities and predatory criminal behaviour”.

Europol has also advised its member states to be vigilant for criminal fraudulent activity related to Covid-19 vaccines.

It also acknowledged in a November report that the distribution of counterfeit pharmaceutical products, including Covid-19 vaccines, remained a “consistent pandemic-related criminal activity”.