[BEWARE] COVID-19 is also a Malware Infecting PCs: Users, Watch Out!

As the coronavirus pandemic affects thousands of lives creating panic around the globe, some malware authors have taken advantage of the situation by creating dangerous viruses and malware just like COVID-19.

The latest malware that infects computer systems is dubbed as COVID-19 Malware--it is highly contagious that it is capable of wiping out all your files. The malware targets devices' master boot record (MBR). It either reboots system or rewrites MBR, leaving PC's system dead.

Amid the pandemic, you will wonder what the goal of this newly developed malware is.

COVID-19 Malware will contaminate your PCs

According to ZDNet, the main goal of the newly developed malware is not to gain financially but to destroy your personal computers. The report clarified that five identified malware strains were released while others were created for experiment purposes. The five confirmed malware viruses have one in common: all of them are designed visually with a COVID-19 scheme.

The malware focuses on attacking your master boot record and completely hacking your files, restricting you from accessing your computer. A security researcher by the code name of MalwareHunterTeam was the first one to discover COVID-19 malware. The findings of the researcher were detailed in a report from SonicWall. It was stated in the report that this computer virus goes by the name "COVID-19.exe".

Stages of COVID-19 Malware

According to MalwareHunterTeam, when a computer is infected by COVID-19.exe, it will undergo two infection phases. The first stage will suddenly show you an annoying window that users are unable to terminate. This is because the virus has already disabled the Windows Task Manager. While the user is busy trying to close this window, the malware will attack the computer's master boot record and silently rewriting it. After the virus completely takes control of your PC, it will input a new master boot record blocking the user into a pre-boot screen. The user needs special applications that can help in regaining and rebuilding the MBR back to its normal status.

The second coronavirus-themed malware is far more complicated compared to the first one. Its goal is to steal passwords and copy COVID-19.exe. After obtaining the data, it will then rewrite the MBR restricting the user, and a pre-boot message will show, preventing the user from accessing the computer, which is just like the first stage of COVID-19.exe.

The purpose of the ransom note is to create a panic to the user, urging them to check if someone hacked their passwords. The unfortunate victim will see a message stating that their files are "crypted" and is blocked temporarily on several levels. It also says that if the user wants assistance to recover their files, they must transfer their Bitcoin via the email address "coronavi2022@protonmail.ch." There are no clear reports yet stating the main goal of this developed computer virus, better watch out because anyone can be a victim.

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