CHARLOTTE, NC – Be careful what you search for and be extra careful when clicking on website links, even those that you find my searching Google or another search engine.
Infostealer, which has been around for a little while, is responsible for stealing over 2 billion credentials in malware att
acks. While you probably know it’s never wise to click on suspicious
links in emails you aren’t expecting, cyber security experts warn that Infostealer is using fake websites to find victims.
This dangerous software silently harvests your sensitive data, potentially leading to identity theft, financial fraud, and more. Cybercriminals are masters of exploiting our desire for free and easy solutions. They target specific search terms and behaviors, including:
1. Free Software and Tools: Searches for “free PDF converter,” “free video editor,” or similar terms often lead to compromised websites.
2. Cracked Software: The allure of getting expensive software for free makes searches for “cracked” or “pirated” versions particularly dangerous.
3. Game Cheats and Hacks: Gamers searching for ways to get ahead might stumble upon malicious downloads disguised as helpful tools.
4. Activation Tools and Key Generators: These searches, often for software activation, are prime targets for infostealer distribution.
Once you’ve entered these risky search terms, cybercriminals use several tactics to get you to their malicious sites:
1. Search Engine Ads: Using compromised advertising accounts, attackers create convincing ads that appear at the top of search results. These ads often mimic legitimate software providers or download sites.
2. SEO Manipulation: By optimizing their malicious sites for popular search terms, attackers ensure their links appear high in organic search results.
3. Social Media and Forum Posts: Fake accounts on platforms like YouTube or Reddit share links to “free downloads” or “exclusive cheats,” leading users to
infostealer-infected files.
4. Typosquatting: Attackers create websites with URLs very similar to legitimate sites, hoping users will mistype the address and land on their malicious page instead. Once Infostealer infiltrates your system, it can:
● Steal saved passwords from your browsers
● Capture credit card information and banking details
● Harvest cryptocurrency wallet data
● Collect personal information for identity theft
● Enable further malware infections or ransomware attacks
While the threat is real, you can significantly reduce your risk by following these guidelines:
1. Use Reputable Sources: Only download software from official websites or well-known, trusted platforms.
2. Be Wary of “Too Good to Be True” Offers: Free versions of expensive software or miracle game cheats are often malware in disguise.
3. Install a Robust Antivirus: Keep your antivirus software updated and run regular scans.
4. Enable Ad Blockers: This can help prevent malicious ads from appearing in your search results.
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