Researchers found Peaklight malware targeting illegal movie downloaders. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy' Knutsson provides tips to protect yourself from malware.
Illegal movie sites are not the best places to visit on the internet. The fact that they are illegal should tell you that. While the legal consequences of pirating content are a big concern, you also risk getting malware, and not just any malware. Security researchers have identified a type of malware targeting illegal movie downloaders, known as Peaklight, classified as next-stage malware. Its ultimate goal is to infect Windows systems with information stealers and loaders.
How does it infect your computer? The attack starts when someone downloads a Windows shortcut file , often while searching for pirated movies. These files are hidden inside ZIP folders that pretend to be movie downloads. When the LNK file is opened, it connects to a content delivery network that hides harmful JavaScript code, which runs only in your computer's memory.
Kurt’s key takeaway The idea of pirating content can be tempting. With so many streaming services and subscriptions out there, it’s impossible to have them all, which makes piracy seem like an option worth considering. But it’s better to pay up or watch something else. You don’t want your computer to be infected by malware and risk losing your money and personal data. Have you ever been tempted to use illegal streaming or download sites? What stopped you ? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.
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