The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) warned that criminal networks could target coronavirus vaccines.
“As governments prepare to launch vaccines, criminal organizations plan to infiltrate or disrupt supply chains,” says Secretary-General of Interpol, quoted in a statement to media.
Criminal networks, he warned, will also target “people in the public who do not suspect anything through fake websites and cures, which could pose a significant risk to their health, even their lives.”
The agency reported having sent alert messages to its 194 member countries so that they are prepared for the emergency of possible criminal activity related to anti-COVID vaccines.
He indicated that according to data from his Cyber Crime Unit, 3,000 online pharmacy websites suspected of selling illicit products, some 1,700 posed cyber threats, including hacking and phishing programs.
In this regard, Interpol advises the public to “take special care when connecting online to the search for medical equipment or drugs”.