In recent weeks, there has been a significant increase in instances of malware-bearing filenames linked to the popular doll, Barbie. These incidents have been reported in various countries, with the United States having the highest number of cases at 37%. Australia, the United Kingdom, and India each reported 6% and 5% respectively, while France, Japan, and Ireland have also been affected.
It is alarming to note that India is among the top countries experiencing similar incidents, highlighting the widespread nature of this cyber threat.
According to McAfee, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the excitement around the launch of the Barbie movie. They are using this opportunity to carry out various internet scams, such as tricking users into downloading malware disguised as the movie or creating computer viruses with a Barbie theme.
In addition, they are spreading fake videos that offer free tickets but lead users to harmful websites that can collect their personal information. Internet users need to be cautious and vigilant when interacting with any content related to Barbie, to avoid becoming a victim of these sly cyber schemes.
Steve Grobman, McAfee’s Chief Technology Officer, warns that cybercriminals are always looking for ways to make their phishing and scam tactics more convincing and believable.
They often take advantage of high-profile events such as movie premieres, concerts, and sports events to trick people into clicking on malicious links. In a blog post, Grobman emphasized the importance of being extra careful and vigilant when using online platforms to avoid falling victim to these deceitful schemes.
Over the past three weeks, a cybersecurity company has recorded 100 new instances of malware with filenames related to “Barbie.” Out of these cases, 37% were reported in the United States. This indicates that scammers are exploiting the popularity of the Greta Gerwig-directed comedy, which has earned an impressive $70.5 million within its first two days at the box office.
These digital threats come in various disguises, including malware posing as film downloads, malicious “Barbie”-themed viruses, and deceptive videos offering free tickets but leading to spyware-infested links designed to harvest personal information.
Cybercriminals are using certain tactics to trick people into downloading a harmful .exe file. McAfee has revealed that they lure unsuspecting users to a Discord server or website, where they are asked to download the file.
Although it appears to be harmless, the file is loaded with malware, including the dangerous “Redline Stealer.” This malware can easily access sensitive data, such as personal information and login details, putting users’ devices and privacy at risk.
As per a report from The Sun, certain scams appear in the form of emails or social media links. These scams are quite enticing, as they offer titles such as “Barbie the Movie” or “Barbie Movie Behind-the-Scenes.” However, once the links are clicked, users are directed to websites that seem legitimate.
The problem is that they are then asked to enter personal details such as email addresses, credit card information, and other sensitive data. What users don’t know is that scammers use this information to gain unauthorized access to their bank accounts, which can cause significant financial damage.
To protect yourself from these scams, it’s important to be cautious and only use reliable retailers and streaming services when purchasing “Barbie” items. When buying movie tickets, it’s best to stick with trusted theater chains or reputable apps. Stay vigilant and be wary of suspicious websites with poor design or requests for personal information that seem unusual.
It’s also important to be aware that scammers often try to blend in with legitimate marketing efforts during major media events. To avoid falling for a scam, carefully scrutinize any offers and be suspicious of promotions that require bank or card information as a prerequisite.
To sum up, the company advises users to avoid promotions that require payment or personal information. This is especially important for “Barbie” enthusiasts who want to safeguard themselves against fraudulent activities and ensure a positive online experience.
