Your data is in danger. A new method of fraudsters
Cybercriminals have developed a new fraud method – malicious CAPTCHA. Find out how it works, how to protect yourself against it and what to do if you fall victim.
In 2024, cybercriminals have developed a new way to extort personal data. As the Protect PESEL initiative warns, the fraud involves the use of a malicious version of CAPTCHA, a mechanism used to confirm whether the website user is a human and not a bot. Instead of protection, malicious CAPTCHA poses a serious threat to the security of Internet users.
How does malicious CAPTCHA work?
Standard CAPTCHA is a commonly used tool for verifying users on websites. It involves performing simple tasks, such as selecting pictures with specific objects. Humans can handle this without any problems, but bots are unable to meet these requirements.
Malicious CAPTCHA scams work on a completely different principle. Cybercriminals create fake versions of this tool that visually resemble the original ones, but their purpose is to force you to perform dangerous actions, such as running a malicious command on your computer. A user who falls for such fraud runs the risk of having his or her personal data or passwords stolen.
How to recognize a fake CAPTCHA?
To avoid the threat, it is crucial to pay attention to the website address. Cybercriminals often impersonate well-known websites by using addresses with subtle differences, such as replacing the letters “rn” with “m” or “l” with “I”. Before taking any action on the website, make sure that the address is correct and does not arouse suspicion.
If you notice that you may have fallen victim to a malicious CAPTCHA, it is necessary to take quick action:
- Changing passwords – immediately change all passwords used on your device.
- Blocking a bank card – if there is a risk that your card details have been transferred.
- Report an incident – you can report any cybersecurity breach to CSIRT NASK via the incident.cert.pl system.
Education and vigilance are the key to protection
Cybersecurity experts call for caution when using the Internet. It is worth remembering that cybercriminals are constantly improving their methods, and malicious CAPTCHA is another example of their activities. Regularly updating knowledge about online threats and being careful when providing data is the best protection against fraud.
