Hackers are Using URL Shortener Services to Spread Malware

 Following the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020, smartphone usage has risen significantly compared to previous years, and hacking attacks are also becoming more prevalent. In addition to displaying malware assaults, tax hackers also engage in activities such as emptying bank accounts and stealing data, according to the IRS. In the vast majority of hacking cases, it is the users who bear responsibility for their activities. The following are some measures you should take to safeguard yourself and know how cybercriminals attack your data and privacy.

It is dangerous to click on links.

Malicious links have surfaced as a new danger for Android users, and users who click on these links are at risk of being infected with malware. Several different claims are attached to these URLs that are being delivered to consumers through text messaging. Such communications entice users to update their KYC information in exchange for free goodies while also requesting that they click on a link.

Hackers take advantage of link shorteners to shorten URLs 

It has been discovered that hackers are now shortening URLs that are used to send people messages and emails with the assistance of a program known as ‘URL Shortener.’ When a person clicks on a short link, they are not sent to the full website and its domain. Scareware is used to frighten users into clicking on links; this kind of software is known as scareware. Fraudsters jot down the virus that has infected the phone and then click on the link that asks them to install cleaning applications.

Hackers can obtain passwords and personal information.

The act of clicking on links in text messages may result in the installation of malware on the smartphone without the user being aware of it. Cyber thieves may get access to users’ credentials and steal their sensitive financial or personal information with the assistance of software like this. This information may be used to empty bank accounts, or hackers can use it to blackmail individuals by revealing their personal information.

 Stay alert and updated

Lucas Stefanko, a malware researcher at ESET, said that the issue is that many malicious link shortener providers use aggressive advertising tactics and display scareware advertisements due to their activities. These tools inform the user that his or her gadget is infected with a virus or is malfunctioning. Lucas said that by clicking on these links or advertisements, users are asked to participate in an unusual survey, and malware is downloaded and placed on their phones in the background. 

Way to protect yourself

Users may prevent malware and hacking risks by simply disregarding any such communications that they receive. Keep in mind that you should never click on a link that is from an unknown source and that you should avoid installing third-party applications. If you have committed this mistake in the past, go to Settings and look for the Malicious program in the app list, then remove it from your device. You may also use applications such as Calendar Clean-up and Malwarebytes to assist you in cleaning up your device.

Malware may download an extra payload

According to the researcher, several malware variants have also been discovered that may download additional payloads to the device after it has been installed. Payloads such as banking trojans, SMS trojans, and aggressive adware are examples of this kind of malware.

Source:https://s6norton.com/blog/hackers-are-using-url-shortener-services-to-spread-malware