'Greta Thunberg' Email Virus

Phishing emails are among the favorite methods that cybercriminals use to propagate the latest iteration of their malware. One of the latest schemes of this sort is known as the 'Greta Thunberg' email virus – recipients of this message may see an email that claims to be an invitation to an anti-climate change protest organized by Greta Thunberg, Times Person of the Year 2019. The invitation continues by urging the recipient to download a file attachment that will reveal the time and place of the event – however, instead of a legitimate document, the attachment contains a threatening virus.

So far, the 'Greta Thunberg' Email Virus has been distributing a copy of the Emotet Trojan exclusively, but it is possible that other cybercriminals may opt to take advantage of this email template, and use it to propagate different malware families.

We counsel you to be extra vigilant for suspicious emails that mention the latest popular topics such as the Coronavirus and Greta Thunberg – cybercriminals often take advantage of the latest news headlines to craft their phishing emails and schemes. If you ever receive an invite to attend an event organized by Greta Thunberg, you should carefully research if the source is a credible one.