You’re pulling your hair out and trying to fix something on your computer. If you search on Google, you’ll find helpful websites and step-by-step tutorials.
Phew, the problem is finally being resolved, but wait a minute! you just came in “Deceive yourself” attack. Cybercreeps use this clever strategy to trick you into compromising your technology so they don’t have to do their dirty work.
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How bad is it?
bad. Really bad. Attacks that “deceive oneself” are on the rise 614% In the third quarter of this year alone. Lumma Stealer is a top type of data stealing malware that captures banking information and browser extensions. 1,154%.
A 12 year old boy typing while using a laptop computer. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Why are these scams so successful? When something breaks, our instinct is to rush and fix it as quickly as possible. Now if you add to this the fact that you are doing the steps yourself, you get: you Under control. That’s exactly why these tricks are so dangerous.
Scammers are also incredibly good at imitating trusted sources with professional-looking websites and tutorials that trick you into believing you’re in a safe place. Add frustration and impatience to the mix, and it’s no wonder so many people take the bait.
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how do they catch you
- Fake captcha: After confirmation (“I’m not a robot”), you’ll be asked to download a README file with instructions. These instructions install malware.
- YouTube tutorial: Let’s say you click a download link in the description of a YouTube video that claims to solve a technical problem. You guessed it! It’s malware in disguise.
- ClickFix scam: Follow the step-by-step guide and copy and paste the commands to your computer. Oops…you commanded your new hacker overlords to obey.
- Fake update: quick! A pop-up will appear stating that you need to install a security update now. This is malware that impersonates apps, operating systems, and browsers.
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Computer code on screen with skull representing computer virus/malware attack. (St. Petersburg)
how to protect yourself
These scammers are clever, but you can outwit them.
Please think twice before downloading: If a tutorial tells you to disable your antivirus or download a random link, bail. Look to big companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft that publish help instructions online. I mean, it’s me!
Check the URL and source. Cybercriminals imitate legitimate sites. Always double-check your web address, especially when viewing updates or troubleshooting guides. If the URL looks like this offtrust your intuition and close it.
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Be careful what you copy and paste. Do not copy commands from unknown sources to your computer’s terminal or command prompt. This is a classic malware distribution tactic.
Update it the right way. Don’t click on random pop-ups to update software. Be sure to check your device settings or app store.
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Suppose the worst happens.
The photo shows a person using Google on a laptop. (Serene Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket, Getty Images)
Even though you were careful, you fell into it. Do not panic and act quickly to minimize damage.
- Run a virus scan. Use reliable antivirus software to detect and remove malware installed on your device. Free stuff is not enough anymore.
- Change your password. Update the password of the account you suspect has been compromised. Email and financial accounts should be a top priority. There’s no need to reuse passwords either. Each must be unique. Yes, I know it’s painful.
- Monitor your bank account. Always monitor your account for unauthorized charges or transactions. If you see anything suspicious, notify your bank immediately. I have alerts turned on in my banking app so I get notified whenever something unusual happens.
- Check for unusual activity. Also look for strange logins or changes to online accounts. Many sites and services have a section in their settings where you can see which devices are logged into your account and from whom.
- Reinstall your system if necessary. You may need to reset your device or reinstall your operating system. Follow the steps here to complete the factory reset. Please back up your data first.
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