Security researchers at Check Point have warned of a resurgence in fake vaccine certificates and test results since the emergence of the Omicron variant.

According to the cybersecurity firm, activity among dark web-forged certificate vendors has increased dramatically in recent weeks as governments look to curb the spread of Omicron through heightened measures.

Researchers said that the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, combined with the strained supply of rapid lateral flow and PCR tests, has presented an opportunity for fraudsters to exploit.

For example, at least one group that was highly active during the Delta variant wave - but went quiet in October 2021 - has resurfaced to capitalise on the new demand for customers.

The European Union has had a Covid-19 passport scheme in place since July 2021, with other nations following suit. Similarly, international travel has once again become largely dependent on vaccination or test status, with countries updating rules around quarantine.

Liad Mizrachi, Security Expert at Check Point Software, commented: “Countries around the world have tightened their restrictions, asking citizens to produce negative test results or proof of vaccination status before being allowed to enter large venues and gatherings, and international travel has once again been made more difficult due to surging cases.

“This, combined with test kit supply issues and general vaccine hesitancy, has created a perfect storm for scammers.”

Dark web fraudsters are “once again operating with quiet confidence,” Mizrachi added.

Check Point research also shows a dramatic increase in the volume of money changing hands for fake vaccine or test certificates since the onset of the Omicron variant.

After initial announcements on vaccine certificates in 2021, counterfeit PCR and antigen test certificates typically sold for £100 – £135. Those same documents are priced between £270 – £450, CPR said.

This represents an increase of up to 600% in some regions, with many fake certificates advertised and sold via messaging apps such as Telegram.

Mizrachi said: “Without a centralized system in place for test and vaccine certification, it’s very easy for scammers to exploit the current situation to their advantage.

“Governments need to come together quickly in order to combat this latest dark market surge or risk seeing counterfeit documents increase in number over the coming weeks and months.”

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