Warning: New Scam Alert - Cybercriminals Use Captchas as a Trap
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Hey there! You've beenwarned about a fresh con sliding through the internet: Cyber crooks are misusing those darn Captchas to lure innocent users into a mischief!
It all seems normal initially: Tick a box claiming "I'm not a robot" and off you go, right? But watch out if a second window unexpectedly pops up, asking for a keyboard command! That's probably a hacking attempt.
"Captcha" stands for "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans apart". Sometimes, in German, it's as brief as "Automated test to distinguish between humans and computers".
The Devious Scheme of Crooks
The strategy is clever: Even after clicking the checkbox, wicked scoundrels secretly copy a malignant instruction onto your computer's clipboard. Then, a banner appears, urging you to open a Windows input field via keyboard shortcut.
► In there, the dangerous code is expected to be inserted and played out. Naïve users unwittingly load malware from a hacker server onto their very own computer. This trickery was first uncovered by the Swiss Federal Cyber Security Office (BACS) towards the end of 2024.
The malware snatches data from the operating system, snatches passwords from browsers, and even taps into credit card details. It can also commandeer the computer remotely. Usually, a complete overhaul of the operating system is the only remedy.
If Caught in the Captcha Net? Here's How to Swiftly React
Did you wind up in the trap? Cut your computer off the internet immediately and transform all passwords on another device. If you've got a backup, spruce up Windows and promptly restore your data. If there's no backup, safeguard crucial files externally prior to resetting the system.
► To prevent yourself from falling prey, be wary of unforeseen Captchas - better to abandon the site if in doubt. Keep your browser updated and regularly secure your data on an external storage medium.
A keen antivirus program guards against multiple attacks. Two-factor authentication for vital services is a necessity.
Enrichment:
These deceitful Captcha-based attacks, commonly known as ClickFix, function by creating fraudulent Captcha pages, designed to imitate genuine websites such as security tools or educational platforms. These phony pages are crafted with stolen text from actual websites to appear legitimate[1][2].
Users are persuaded to execute malicious PowerShell commands which, when entered into the Windows Run dialog (opened with Win + R), are secretly played out, resulting in the download and installation of malware[1][3].
The executed command might download destructive files like counterfeit installers or information thieves which, once activated on the victim's device, can compromise credentials and other sensitive data[3].
To safeguard yourself from these attacks, verify the authenticity of websites before partaking in Captcha challenges, avoid suspicious links, be mindful of unusual instructions, lug around a trustworthy antivirus software, and stay informed about the latest cyber threats.
- This new scam involves cybercriminals using Captchas as a trap, copying malicious instructions onto your computer's clipboard and tricking you into inserting dangerous code by prompting a keyboard command, which can lead to data theft, password breaches, and even remote control of your computer.
- To protect yourself from such attacks, it's crucial to have a reliable antivirus program, use two-factor authentication for vital services, verify the authenticity of websites before participating in Captchas, avoid suspicious links, and regularly secure your data on an external storage medium.
