Norton, a consumer cyber safety brand, has released a report on the spread of malware threats through PDF files, which are widely used for sharing documents, etc. We would like to provide an overview of the report.
Reasons why methods using PDF files are attracting attention
The Q4 2023 Threat Report released by Avast, which is part of Gen like Norton, also reports on malware threats that utilize this PDF file format.
PDF files are platform-independent and have a consistent format across different devices, making them a popular medium for sharing documents.
However, this feature makes it an attractive method for cybercriminals looking to distribute malware.
Additionally, PDF attachments are often trusted and allowed by spam gateways by default, making them extremely vulnerable.
PDF files can also be opened on both PC and mobile devices, making them an attractive method for cybercriminals.
Additionally, criminals have begun using fake URLs to evade antivirus scans, and URL spoofing is also being done through services such as link shorteners.
Patterns and techniques of recent malware attacks that are compatible with PDF
There are various types of malware attacks.
One example is a scam that impersonates a well-known company, such as Amazon or a financial institution and tells users that their account has been blocked and that if they don’t do this within 24 hours, they will lose access to their account permanently. A text message will be sent.
Below is an example of a service pretending to be Netflix. We ask you to explain the issue with your payment and update your details, including your financial information. Clicking on the link takes you to a screen where you can enter your financial information, which is passed on to criminals and stolen.
Another well-known method is sweepstakes scams in which people pretend to have won the lottery. In this method, you win a prize and are asked to submit personal information to receive it. If you send this information, you may be asked to pay money in advance as a remittance fee.
The malware attacks introduced above are examples of malware attacks, but all of them are used because they have a high affinity with PDFs, and there are many other threats that attack PDFs, from simple ones like dating scams to phishing scams. Confirmed for use.
Avast reports blocking over 10 million PDF-based attacks and protecting over 4 million users worldwide.
■Changes in cybercrime seen from malware attacks using PDF
The proliferation of PDF-based cyber threats marks a major shift in cybercriminal tactics.
This PDF-based method has become important to cybercriminals, not only because of their adaptability to digital media but also because their methods have expanded from simple scams to complex malware delivery. You can see that
Additionally, this trend not only reflects the innovative methods used by cybercriminals but also reveals the vulnerabilities inherent in users’ everyday behavior.
Avast’s success in thwarting these attacks proves that strong cybersecurity measures are highly effective. However, this countermeasure requires not only Norton’s technical preventive measures but also user awareness.
Users should be aware that they should be suspicious of unfamiliar stories and notifications, and be wary of and suspicious of new threats by learning about phishing and fraud trends