AI is being used by scammers to create malware-infected YouTube videos

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers great benefits for different organizations. since the release of ChatGPT, several companies have acquired the tech and introduced their services. If we say that AI has become prevalent technology, then it won’t be wrong. AI has the potential to enhance productivity. Besides its advantages and great potential are there any threats associated with AI? Yes, there are. Well, let us explain this to you in this short piece.

CloudSEK is a platform that is concerned with cyber threat management. As per the latest report from this platform, cybercriminals are using AI to trick unwary YouTube users to click on links on videos that could download malware. The report suggests that every month the number of videos inviting users to click on links have been increased from 200% to 300%. Such videos are accompanied by screen recordings or audio that explain the steps on how to download and install cracked software like Adobe Premiere Pro and AutoCAD.

Furthermore, scammers utilize Synthesia and D-ID platforms to create AI avatars in order to make their content appear reliable. In this way, scammers have targeted channels having around 100k subscribers. Through this strategy, their content can reach millions of users. As soon as a user clicks on these AI-generated YouTube videos, their information is hacked by info stealer malware like Vidar, RedLine, and Raccoon. In this way, scammers steal passwords, credit card information, bank account numbers, and other confidential information.

How to stay safe from these videos?

Users should be on the lookout for warning signs like an AI-generated voice or avatar saying that expensive software like Adobe Premiere Pro can be downloaded without registering or using BitTorrent in order to avoid falling for these films. Furthermore, these films frequently urge viewers to click on sites that might employ legitimate URL shorteners like bit.ly and cutt.ly and contain a passkey. They also frequently include notes on how to disable antivirus software and directions on how to troubleshoot download problems.

Besides this, never download anything from an unidentified source. If you wish to search for the authenticity of a website, type its domain name on Google and search for it. If there is no relevant information, then it could be a fraud. Furthermore, if you end up downloading any file from an unidentified source make sure to run the antivirus before opening the file.