Group-IB finds over 9,500 fake posts on Covid-19 cases in Moscow

MOSCOW, Mar 3 (PRIME) -- Singapore-headquartered cybercrime preventing company Group-IB has detected more than 9,500 fake reports on infection of Muscovites with coronavirus, Covid-19, and has started investigation, the company said late Monday.

“Today, Group-IB specialists uncovered and analyzed an information flow that data on massive contamination of Muscovites with coronavirus were allegedly kept secret. Graph analysis technologies revealed the fact of artificial distribution of a voice message,” the company said.

The attack was expanded via bots in social network VKontakte and in different groups in messengers. The dump mainly targeted nurseries, schools, and women.

“As of today, more than 9,500 posts, reposts, publications, expanding this fake news. Group-IB specialists have started looking for contractors and customers of this information attack,” the company said.

The attack probably aims at worsening the mood of panic among citizens of the capital.

A spokesperson for VKontakte said the social network got in touch with Group-IB and is taking part in a study of the fake news.

“We’re limiting access to the misleading information, including on coronavirus,” the spokesperson said. “Besides, now we’re jointly with the World Health Organization are preparing information materials on coronavirus.”

A spokesperson for Viber said the messenger has not received any complaints from users on mailouts on the alleged infection of Muscovites with coronavirus.

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