Beware of fake COVID-19 vaccine registration SMS, aims to install malicious app

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Having sensed the desperation among Indians to get vaccinated, online fraudsters have rolled out a fake SMS text which claims to offer an app that can let users register for Covid-19 vaccines. This app, initially called Covid-19 and later changed to Vaccine Register, aims to install malware via SMS.

Lukas Stefanko who is a malware researcher from cybersecurity firm ESET was the first to inform about the malicious SMS meant to target Indian users in the false pretext of ‘Covid-19 Vaccine Free Registration’.

Once downloaded, this app has the potential to gain access to user data.

Users must be highly selective and conscious while clicking on such links and downloading apps that claim to provide shortcuts that are unheard of. At the same time, remember that vaccine registrations are taking place in India only through the Co-WIN portal and the Aarogya Setu as well as Umang apps.

SMS worm impersonates Covid-19 vaccine free registration

Android SMS worm tries to spread via text messages as fake free registration for Covid-19 vaccine – targets India 🇮🇳 It can spread itself via SMS to victim contacts with link to download this malware. https://t.co/EXAAGARqOP pic.twitter.com/HX957bPVu5

— Lukas Stefanko (@LukasStefanko) April 29, 2021

Meanwhile, there indeed are a few third-party websites that enable you to receive notifications for a vaccine slot once available. But none of these claim to get you registered for the slot.

Apart from private websites like getjab.in and vaccinateme.in that notifies you in case of free vaccine slots nearby, the government’s MyGov Corona Helpdesk Chatbot can also assist you to find the nearest vaccination center before booking a slot.