This article has been created in order to explain to you what is the Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams and how you can remove them as well as all potentially unwanted programs delivered through them.
One of the latest massive phishing campaigns which is in circulation at the moment is a family of Wuhan Coronavius phishing scams. They can take various forms and depending on the type will lead to various infections and/or issues for the system. Multiple hacking groups are believed to be behind the attacks however no detailed information is available at the moment.
Threat Summary
| Name | Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams |
| Type | Phishing email scam |
| Short Description | The Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams is a recent example of scam strategy encompassing both email messages and web sites. |
| Symptoms | Victims will receive email messages or will navigate to a scam site. |
| Distribution Method | Phishing emails. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams. |
Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams – Overview
The Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams are regarded as particularly dangerous as they are effectively boosted by the media craze surrounding the dangerous virus. The computer criminals will take advantage of the fact that many people will search for information relevant to the threat. By impersonating various institutions and companies the hackers will manipulate the users and recipients into falling victim to the phishing scam.
There are several popular categories of identities that the hackers can impersonate:
- Government Institutions and Agencies — One of the most common tactics is to impersonate various agencies and institutions of national and international government bodies. This can include a nation’s Ministry of health or associated agencies that are provisioned with notifying the population about the Coronavirus.
- Pharmaceutical Companies — Big pharma and their subsidiaries which are currently developing drugs and tests for the Coronavirus will also issue notifications and press releases. The hackers can easily impersonate them as they can acquire the design elements and typical layouts used to distribute the information.
- Media Sites — Media sites and particularly news portals can be easily crafted into spreading the so-called “fake news”. Inside the content the hackers can link in or embed malicious code and drive the visitors into interacting with all kind of potentially dangerous code.
- Social Networks — This is one of the most popular and effective strategies that is used to spread malware files and manipulate the victims. Practically all popular services are affected: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and etc.
Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams In Japan
We received notification that a series of Wuhan coronavirus phishing scams are being launched against Japanese users. This is done under the form of malicious notifications which appear to be sent by two entities — fake disability welfare service provider and a public health center. The email messages appear to have copied legitimate text from government agencies. They also include attached Microsoft Office files that are malicious in nature and include dangerous macros. At the moment the downloaded payload is the Emotet launcher. According to the security research another spam campaign is expected.
It is believed that Japan is targeted as one of the first large-scale examples of Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams due to the close proximity to China. The Japanese were quick to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan and responded in appropriate time to the virus outbreak.
English language Coronavirus Phishing Scams
So far there are is a limited number of English-language campaigns that are actively sent against the prospective targets. One of the mechanisms is to impersonate a virologist from Singapore giving information about the outbreak. The messages include attached macro-infected PDF files that can be customized with different types of payload carriers.
Another recent example is the sending out of fake CDC notifications that instead of carrying dangerous macro-infected documents will include a text link to a hacker-controlled phishing site. It will be hosted on a domain name that will sound very similar to the real and legitimate home page. The criminals can change the address at will and make both layout, design and content changes at any time.
We expect further campaigns to be orchestrated soon and will be monitoring the situation.
Remove Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from Windows and Your Browser
If you want to remove the Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from your computer, we strongly suggest that you follow the removal instructions posted underneath this article. They have been created with the main idea In mind to help you delete this virus either manually or automatically. Be advised that according to experts the best way to try and remove the software that is causing the Black Friday 2019 Scamming pop-ups is to use an advanced anti-malware software. Such program is created with the idea in mind to fully scan your computer and try to eliminate any traces of unwanted programs while protecting your computer against future infections as well.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
Follow Me:
- Guide 1: How to Remove Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams on Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams in Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from Internet Explorer.
- Guide 8: Disable Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams Push Notifications in Your Browsers.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
About the Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams threat is backed with VirusTotal https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/upload.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1.Browser Redirect – What Is It?
2.Adware Is Malicious, and It Uses Advanced Techniques to Infect
3.The Thin Red Line Between Potentially Unwanted Programs and Malware
4.The Pay-Per-Install Affiliate Business – Making Millions out of Adware
5.Malicious Firefox Extensions Installed by 455,000 Users Blocked Updates
How to Remove Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams
Step 2: Uninstall Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Scan for Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Removal Guide for Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams (Windows).
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Get rid of Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams and remove related files and objects
1.Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3.In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams:
4.Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5.In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams (Mac)
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Remove Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2:Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Erase Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Uninstall Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Remove Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from Safari.
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Eliminate Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications caused by Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams from Your Browsers.
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams FAQ
What is Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams?
The Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams threat is adware or browser redirect virus. It may slow your computer down siginficantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What are the symptoms of Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your computer for viruses.
What types of Unwanted Programs are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to do if I have a "virus" like Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most adware or unwanted program threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them from your browser and computer. One reccomended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you. There are many anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter is one of the reccomended anti-malware apps, that can scan your computer for free and detect any viruses, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps and eliminate them quickly. This saves time when compared to doing the removal manually.
How to secure my passwords and other data from Wuhan Coronavirus Phishing Scams?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our website, where you can also ask any questions and comment underneath the articles about your computer problems. We will try to respond as fast as possible.
