The dark web is a part of the internet that is not detected by search engines, where cyber criminals often sell and buy illegal material, from credit card numbers and drugs to cyber weapons and now apparently coronavirus-related products.
A Check Point spokesperson told CNN Business it is uncertain whether the vaccines are genuine, but said “they appear to be legitimate” based on images of packaging and medical certificates. According to the report, ads for vaccines on the dark web are up 300% in the last three months.
Meanwhile, vaccine certificates – or proof of vaccination cards – are being made and printed to order; the buyer gives the name and dates he wants on the certificate and the seller replies with what Check Point said looks like an authentic card.
The counterfeit products are put on the market people who need to board airplanes, cross borders, start a new job, or other activities that may require someone to provide proof of vaccination.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) logo, including an image of an eagle, is in the top right corner of the fake vaccination cards, just like on the real one. The Check Point spokesperson said the company estimates that “sellers are able to issue thousands if not tens of thousands of counterfeit vaccination cards based on requests.”
Also on sale: negative Covid-19 test results for $ 25 (or “buy 2, get the third for free”).
Some experts say illegal markets around vaccination cards and digital passports are inevitable. “Not everyone has access to the vaccine; rollout is slow in many countries and people are tired of lockdowns and curfews,” said Michela Menting, who provides cybersecurity for ABI Research. “If people can easily get a fake passport to avoid restrictions, then they will, and an illegal market will emerge around it.”