Meta’s Threads Registers Over 200 Malware Attacks in 24 Hours

Meta’s recently launched social media platform Threads amassed over 100 million users in just a few hours. However, with the influx of digital users came a wave of hackers ready to exploit them. Threads registered over 200 suspicious malware attacks within the first 24 hours of its release, reports Karspersky.

The techniques employed by hackers on Threads involved sending new users malicious links that promised the sale of followers. These links were potential scams, along with phishing messages designed to steal usernames and passwords. Given that Threads is directly linked to other Meta services, falling victim to these cyberattacks not only puts users' privacy at risk but also exposes them to other dangers as access to additional social media accounts, such as Instagram and Facebook, could be compromised.

In some of the scams identified by Kaspersky, scammers offer fictitious salaries averaging US$2,000 for liking and commenting on posts within the new social network. The following requirement asks victims to purchase a malicious app called "Threads Lucrativo," priced at US$30. On the other hand, scammers have also developed phishing pages that mimic a non-existent web version of Threads, deceiving unsuspecting users into entering their login credentials.

"Latin America has a high consumption of social media, making it natural for scams to arise. Criminals are not known for their ethics, so they will use any trick to achieve their goals, with monetization being the most common," says Fabio Assolini, Director, Global Research and Analysis, Kaspersky. The study reveals that distribution of malware through malicious websites and phishing email campaigns remain as the most commonly used deception technique by cybercriminals targeting digital users in these regions.

A report by FortiGuard Labs indicates that Latin America and the Caribbean have been the target of about 10% of the total cyberattack attempts that occurred worldwide during 2022. Additionally, the Threat Intelligence Lab of Fortinet found that Mexico had the highest number of attack attempts (156 billion), followed by Brazil (88.5 billion), Peru (11.5 billion) and Colombia (11.2 billion).

The risks associated with falling victim to cyberattacks varies depending on the specific case. Once users' devices are infected, attackers can gain control and carry out cybercrimes such as credential theft and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. To mitigate these risks, Kaspersky advises exercising caution when downloading programs from unofficial websites, maintaining a healthy skepticism toward messages promising high salaries, using unique passwords for each account and enabling two-factor authentication whenever possible. Additionally, installing reputable antivirus software on computers or mobile devices is crucial for protection against online scams.

The alarming statistics emphasize the need for continuous investment in robust cybersecurity infrastructure and comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate individuals and organizations about potential threats. Collaboration between government entities, private sectors and cybersecurity experts is crucial to fortify Mexico's defenses and mitigate the risks posed by cybercriminals.