Hackers use many means to sneak in malware and viruses of all kinds. This also includes social networks like Facebook, Instagram or any other. In this article we are going to focus on ransomware and how they can sneak it through social networks. This is a very important threat that aims to encrypt files and ask for a financial ransom in return to be able to recover them.
What do they do to send ransomware through social networks
Social networks are services widely used by users. That also means that hackers can set their sights here and always look for ways to launch cyber attacks. And yes, ransomware is one of their targets and it has also grown a lot in recent times.
They use fake profiles
The first thing cybercriminals do in order to sneak ransomware through social networks is to use fake profiles . They use bots that pose as legitimate users. In this way they add the victim through Facebook or any social network and have access to personal information, contacts, etc.
Through these bots they can obtain data or directly send messages with fake links containing the ransomware. The victim falls into the trap and they download a file that is actually malware and by executing it, it will encrypt the system files and that is when the problem starts.
Links in comments
They can also use comments on social media pages or posts that those bots put up. There they can sneak a link for the victim to access and download the ransomware. It is something that sometimes bypasses the filters of this type of service and can affect many users.
They normally use a bait, something attractive so that the victim ends up entering. For example, useful information, a publication of something relevant or current that invites you to enter and fall into the trap. It is one of the errors that can sneak ransomware.
fake news
Precisely false news or fake news is one of those traps that they usually use. Cybercriminals can post a link to fake news on your social network profile. Basically it is a bait for them to bite and, once inside, they reach a malicious file.
This is especially the case on platforms like Facebook, where other users can share news and content they find online. This can be visible to contacts so they can click without realizing that they are actually accessing something fake.
Phishing attacks
One more way to sneak ransomware through social networks is through Phishing attacks. It is a widely used method to steal passwords, but it can also be used to sneak malicious software or. Through social networks they could also use this technique, although it is usually more present through email.
Here the attacker will send a link for the victim to log in, make a change or carry out a process. But of course, that link is actually fake. It will pretend to be a legitimate page, such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, but in reality it is a fake.
In short, through these strategies, a hacker could sneak ransomware into the victim’s computer through social networks. It is important to be protected and not have problems that could compromise security and privacy.
