Today, experts at Group-IB revealed and analyzed the spread of fake news about a coronavirus outbreak in Moscow that is purportedly being silenced. Using Group-IB’s Graph Network Analysis, Group-IB has revealed the instances of fake news spread in the form of a voice message. The fake message is being shared by bots on VK (a Russian social media platform) and is being circulated in various messaging apps. The fake news campaign is targeted at the most perceptive people: the rumors were distributed via group conversations in messengers, uniting the mothers of school and kindergarten students, as well as on internet forums for mothers and websites intended for the female audience. As of today, over 9,500 posts, reposts, and publications promoting this fake news have been registered. Group-IB experts have launched an investigation into the case to establish the perpetrators of this information attack.
These provocative actions are thought to seek to fuel panic among Moscow citizens. We strongly urge the general public to stay vigilant about unverified sources distributing such fake claims and follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization to prevent coronavirus infection.
CEO and founder at Group-IB
