During the COVID-19 pandemic, criminals have been quick to seize opportunities to exploit the crisis by adapting their modi operandi and engaging in new criminal activities. Cybercriminals have been among the most adept at exploiting the pandemic. The
threat from cybercrime activities during the crisis is dynamic and has the potential to increase further. With a record number of potential victims staying at home and using online services across the EU, the ways for cybercriminals seeking to exploit emerging
opportunities and vulnerabilities have multiplied.
Europol has been monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cybercrime landscape since the beginning and has published an updated threat assessment of potential further developments in this crime area.
The findings of this report are mainly based on contributions from EU Member States and Europol’s partner countries.
Main findings:
- The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cybercrime has been the most visible and striking compared to other criminal activities.
- Criminals active in the domain of cybercrime have been able to adapt quickly and capitalise on the anxieties and fears of their victims.
- Phishing and ransomware campaigns are being launched to exploit the current crisis and are expected to continue to increase in scope and scale.
- Activity around the distribution of child sexual exploitation material online appears to be on the increase, based on a number of indicators.
- Both criminal organisations, states and state-backed actors seek to exploit the public health crisis to advance geopolitical interests.
Kind regards,
Sara Marcolla
Europol - O3 European Cyber Crime Centre (EC3)