In the first months of 2023, the number of malware mails and phishing links to Russian messenger users increased two to three times compared to the end of 2022. In this respect informs Izvestia publication referring to information security experts.
So, for example, according to Positive Technologies, in the first quarter of 2023, the share of instant messaging programs among other malware spreading methods in attacks against individuals was 10%. It was also just 4% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
We are talking about messages with links to various types of malware, such as spyware, and directly infecting devices with dangerous files. Links, for example vacancies and files, can be disguised as legitimate programs.
“Attackers often distribute spyware using instant messaging programs. The number of incidents related to its use is constantly increasing, and in the first quarter of 2023, scammers used it in four out of every 10 attacks on people who use malware,” said Ekaterina Semykina, analyst at the Positive Technologies research group.
He noted that most of the time, Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber users are exposed to attacks.
Earlier, Kaspersky Lab expert Alexander Liskin said Russians on how to disable spyware on iPhone.