Millions of Pornhub Users Accounts Attacked by Malware

Malware Attacks Millions of Pornhub Users Accounts for their Credentials

February may be the shortest month, however, cyber-attacks are on the rise as hackers have hijacked advertising on adult site Pornhub to infect “millions’ of users with malware which lend further weight to arguments that the risk of data breaches has never been more extensive.

The attacks have been mostly focused on paid accounts for two popular sites, Pornhub and XNXX. If you own a paid account to a porn site, watch out for cyber-attackers.

More PCs appear to be getting attacked with malware that enables hackers to steal thousands, even millions, of login credentials for the top adult video websites, depending upon the number of devices affected, and exactly how long the attack goes undetected.

According to cybersecurity experts, by the time the attack was uncovered, it had been active for more than a year and exposed millions of potential victims in the US, Australia, UK, and Canada to malware by pretending to be software updates to popular browsers.

The research revealed that attack was carried out by a malicious group known as KovCoreG, who hoped to infect users with an ad fraud malware known as Kovter.

This type of malicious software is traditionally used as a form of online advertising fraud to generate revenue through click on fake adverts.

The malware can spread itself as a Trojan that masquerades as a porn-related program or file. Cyber-attackers tricked users to click on the file and are asked to download malware disguised as a video player download or update before they can play the video for free.

Also Read: How to Get Rid of Viruses from Dating Scam Sites [2019 Update]

Cybercriminals also using a technique called “black SEO,” in which they look for the most-search porn tags, then tag the malware with those terms so the website containing the malware infection shows up at the top of a search.

According to cyber expert’s reports, these cyber-attacks yielded tens of millions of dollars to criminals by using credit card details or selling the PornHub login information on the dark web.

You’ve heard about the dark web—a subdivision of the deep web of the Internet that can only be reached using precise software and authorizations. On it, there are sites that sell counterfeit money, drugs, hacking software, and your personal information.

But what types of both commercial & personal information actually gets sold and commoditized there?

The latest news reports that personal login credentials for some of the world’s biggest brands as well as the top adult video websites including Pornhub and XNXX are offered on the dark web.  

In addition to PornHub login information, identity documents such as financial details, passport details, and drivers’ licenses are also for sale, which could cause havoc on an individual if compromised.

What can you do to defend yourself from attacks like this?

We offer these helpful reminders for individuals to protect their information:

Beware of pop-up ads and fake software updates

You must have come across various online ads that come out of the blue. Hackers use such alluring advertisements to provoke the users to click on the ads, i.e., Update your flash player or win an iPhone.

Never download unsolicited spam junk attachments from unknown senders

These cybercriminals can get into your system through malicious spam emails, and download links present in the body of the mail. 

It doesn’t take much for cyber crooks to scour hacked email accounts for personal login credentials and sensitive details that can then be used as gateways to further fraud.

Keep Windows OS and other security suites up and running

An out-dated Windows operating system or software could be a cyber-attackers doorway to your system. The corrupted software application contains vulnerabilities which hackers can easily manipulate to insert the malicious programs on your system.

Conclusion

Nowadays, cyber crooks have learned to make their malware more adaptable, resilient and destructive. Whereas no silver bullet can protect you against all cyber threats at the same time.

Thus, it is essential to upgrade our cyber defense systems and process to more effectively guard against cybersecurity risks, as well as to respond in a timely and robust manner to prevent any malware attacks in the future.

Note* - We recommend ITL Total Security and Malware crusher, among the best reputed anti-malware software which will help you to block Trojan, viruses, adware and other malware on your PC by creating a 24X7 shield against any threats.

It consists of many useful features like Invalid registry cleaner, Real-Time Protection, Web Protection, Live updates, and many more to preserve your system from damage and keep you safe always. 

Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System: