The Barbie film, starring Margot Robbie within the titular position, launched this Friday. (Image: Instagram)
A slew of web frauds has emerged, together with fraudulent dubbed downloads of the movie that set up malware, Barbie-related laptop viruses and false movies that declare to supply free tickets, however result in web sites that acquire information utilizing adware
Are you one of those that wish to watch the mega blockbuster film Barbie in your laptop computer or cellphone in Hindi or Tamil? Stop clicking on each hyperlink you discover on-line when you don’t wish to be a sufferer of the most recent malware marketing campaign.
Computer safety firm McAfee has noticed 100 new instances of malware with Barbie-related filenames within the earlier three weeks. While a majority are within the United States (37%), there are additionally instances in Australia (6%), the United Kingdom and India (each 5%), in addition to in France, Japan, and Ireland. As per the information, India is one of the highest three international locations experiencing related incidents.
According to McAfee, scammers are hoping to money in on the blockbuster as Barbie makes her large-display debut. A slew of web frauds has emerged, together with fraudulent dubbed downloads of the movie that set up malware, Barbie-related laptop viruses and false movies that declare to supply free tickets, however result in web sites that acquire private info utilizing adware.
Steve Grobman, Chief Technology Officer at on-line safety firm, McAfee, mentioned: “Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for opportunities to make phishing and other scams more attractive and believable. They often leverage popular and well-publicized events such as movie premieres, concerts, or sporting events to trick users into clicking on malicious links.”
McAfee has noticed multiple cases of malware activities in India that try to fool people into downloading the ‘Barbie’ movie in several languages. By visiting the link, victims are prompted to download a .zip file containing malware. Researchers also found that malicious campaigns aimed at Hindi and Tamil-speaking users.
FOR BARBIE TICKETS
The researchers also uncovered various bogus and dangerous videos that entice people to download a file that is filled with malware in exchange for Barbie tickets. Once downloaded, the malware, known as ‘Redline Stealer’, steals personal information, login credentials and other information from devices.
Additionally, on YouTube, you may also find a video pitching fake Barbie tickets through a link. News18 found the video, which was posted July 19, has so far gathered over 15K views. The description section states that “one ticket for hit movie barbie please” and contains the pretend hyperlink.
McAfee said: “Historically, big media events of any kind usher in a glut of online scams. We can point to scam sites linked to the Super Bowl in the U.S., cryptocurrency scams that capitalize on hit shows like Squid Games, and the merchandise and streaming scams that pop up during FIFA’s Men’s and Women’s World Cup.”
However, whether it is Barbie or Oppenheimer or any other movie, the team of researchers at McAfee urged internet users to follow a few basic, but important steps to protect themselves from online movie scams.
This includes sticking with trusted retailers and streamers, purchasing tickets from the theatre chain or a reputable ticketing app, avoiding shoddy-looking sites, scrutinising deals, promotions and freebies, as well as using comprehensive online protection software.
