Microsoft has issued new security guidance based on changing conditions due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The company’s researchers note that for many users, inboxes are “all COVID-19, all the time.” It’s a stress-inducing scenario that criminals have been all too ready to exploit.

Microsoft’s research shows that every country in the world has seen at least one COVID-19-themed attack, though China, Russia, and the US have seen the lion’s share. Rather than completely new threats, existing malware like the Trickbot and Emotet malware families are very active and rebranding their lures to take advantage of the outbreak. To date, Microsoft researchers have observed 76 threat variants using COVID-19-themed lures.

In a blog post with the new guidance, Microsoft reminds users to use available anti-malware software, employ multifactor authentication, and use both training and technology to protect users from email-based malware campaigns.

Read more here.

A listing of free security products and services compiled for Dark Reading by Omdia analysts to help you meet the challenges of COVID-19. 

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