In the crazy world of TikTok, not every tech tip is what it appears to be. A new trend involves hackers using AI-created TikTok videos to spread malicious malware in the guise of free software hacks.
The videos vow to bypass popular software such as Microsoft Office, Windows, Spotify, and CapCut, but they’re actually portals to identity theft.
TikTok Scam in the Age of AI
TikTok Malware Alert: AI-Generated Scam Videos
Solen Feyissa/Unsplash
According to Techedt, these fake hack videos are brief, flashy, and appear to be beneficial. They demonstrate a step-by-step guide to unlocking the premium features of the software, but the “hack” is simply to open up the Windows Run utility and type a PowerShell command.
Rather than unlocking software, the command stealthily downloads Vidar and StealC, two malicious malware strains programmed to steal your most personal information.
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What the Malware Steals from You
The malware, once run, sets out to steal your passwords and other login credentials, not to mention that it could access your credit card details, screenshots in your gallery, and even your cookies and browsing history.
What’s worse, if you have a crypto investment, the malware could also invade your crypto wallet information and your two-factor authentication codes.
In short, if you follow these “helpful” videos, you’re giving hackers the keys to your entire digital life.
AI-Generated Videos Look Real, But They’re Not
What is so believable about these scam videos is that they employ AI-created content. Trend Micro researchers uncovered that these videos were probably mass-produced with AI visualization tools and voiceovers and then came up with just slightly different versions of the same video, be it download links or angles. Even the voice sounds assertive and sure, but it’s not natural.
One particularly popular scam video has already racked up over 500,000 views and 20,000 likes, proving how fast TikTok’s algorithm can push harmful content to unsuspecting users.
A Smarter Version of an Old Scam
This scam is not new per se — it’s just changed. In the past, attackers planted risky download links in video descriptions or comments. Now, however, they’re evading security filters by displaying the malicious code on-screen and getting you to execute the command yourself. Because TikTok videos spread so quickly, these scams can go viral before they get reported or pulled.
How to Protect Yourself from TikTok Tech Scams
To remain safe online:
Be suspicious of free software “hacks.” If it seems too good to be true, it likely is.
The Independent reported that you should use secret codes to stop AI scams. According to Cody Barrow, a cybersecurity expert, people should do this to lower the barrier of entry of deepfakes across platforms.
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