Fake vaccination certificates on the darknet

While more and more people are able to get vaccinated, security forensics experts at Checkpoint Research are noticing a new trend on the darknet. The security researchers have found that fake government vaccination certificates are being sold for around $250 each. Interested parties simply send their details and money, and the seller emails back fake documents. In addition, travelers can have a negative Covid-19 test automatically generated in less than 30 minutes for as little as $25.

A new trend: fake vaccination certificates

In order to prepare society for the resumption of tourism and air routes again, the European Commission has proposed a vaccination certificate that can act as a "door opener" in all countries, so to speak, once most people are vaccinated. The executive of the EU proposed a green certificate to prove that they have been vaccinated against the virus, or that they have recovered from infection with the coronavirus.

The vaccination certificate will therefore probably become a bilateral passport between the countries for the foreseeable future, so that live shows and cultural events can be attended again. It seems that hackers have already sensed the potential market for fake documents and are already using it for monetization purposes. In one example Check Point Research came across, an official certificate from a clinic in Russia is being offered for $110, allowing passage across the Russian border. In one advertisement, various vaccination certificates from several countries are being hawked at a price of $135.

The detailed findings of the Check Point researchers can be found at on the blogpost.

Source: Check Point