Deepfake scams on social media are sounding the alarm

ESET, a firm working in the field of cybersecurity, has published its threat report for the second half of 2024. The report emphasizes that scams, particularly those utilizing deepfake technology, pose a serious threat to social media users.

DEEPFAKE SCAMS ARE RISING

According to ESET's data, scam campaigns carried out via deepfake videos and fake company posts increased by 335 percent between June and November 2024. The target audience for these scams generally consists of individuals deceived by promises of quick earnings.

The highest number of scam cases were encountered in Japan, Slovakia, Canada, Spain, and the Czech Republic.

Jirí Kropác, ESET's Director of Threat Detection, stated in his remarks on the subject, "In the second half of 2024, cybercriminals focused on developing new attack methods to bypass defense systems. A significant increase was observed in deepfake technology scams. This situation shows that social media users need to be more careful."

BEWARE OF DATA THEFT AND RANSOMWARE!

The report pointed out that Formbook has replaced the Agent Tesla malware, which had been prominent in previous years.

Additionally, it was noted that the Lumma Stealer malware increased by 369 percent, creating a notable new threat.

Regarding ransomware attacks, it was stated that RansomHub established itself in a leading position in the second half of 2024 by targeting many victims. Meanwhile, it was reported that the malware known as Redline Stealer was dismantled through international operations.

The report also highlighted that the interest of groups based in China, North Korea, and Iran in ransomware is increasing.

CRYPTOCURRENCY AND FINANCIAL APPLICATIONS ARE TARGETED

The fact that cryptocurrencies reached record levels in the second half of 2024 also increased cyber threats in this area.

According to ESET data, malware targeting crypto wallets, particularly on the macOS platform, showed a serious increase.

While software such as Atomic Stealer is effective at stealing sensitive data on Mac devices, threats directed at Android banking applications and crypto wallets also increased by 20 percent.

USERS MUST BE CAREFUL

Experts are warning social media users to be cautious.

It is stated that fake videos prepared with deepfake technology are becoming increasingly realistic, making it easier for scammers to deceive their victims.

Security experts point out that one should be skeptical, especially regarding investment offers and commercial opportunities.

This report once again reveals that cyber threats are evolving rapidly and that users need to be more careful on online platforms and in their financial transactions.

News Source: 12punto