Ahead of International Women’s Day, Kaspersky experts conducted a survey and found malware-infected websites and phishing sites that primarily target women – including community sites, advice forums, online stores selling women’s clothing or cosmetics, and more. Some of the websites were originally legitimate sources, later hacked by cybercriminals to spread malware. Kaspersky experts have discovered web skimmers – usually embedded in the code of online stores to steal user payment details, leading to potential financial loss for the victim.
Additionally, in the site’s code, researchers also discovered the Balada injector, a malware that forces users to allow notifications from the site. If the victim agrees, their browser will constantly pop up a huge number of intrusive notifications on third-party sites, forcing fraudulent content. The SocGholish malware was also detected among web threats on women’s community sites. This threat convinces users to download and run a malicious script under the guise of browser updates. In addition, Kaspersky researchers detected several phishing sites.
In order to continue reading, victims had to enter their personal and bank card details. Once entered, this information was automatically passed on to the attackers, while access to the book was never granted. “Cybercriminals’ targets know no borders. Websites, regardless of their audience, are vulnerable to mass attacks, and it is particularly worrying that even reputable platforms can be infiltrated and compromised.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must remember the importance of protecting our online presence. For women who often face increased risks online, it is imperative that they exercise caution when installing software or sharing personal information. It is a reminder to prioritize our digital security and empower each other by using robust cyber security measures,” comments Usman Qureshi. Country Representative for Pakistan at Kaspersky.
Commenting on the matter, Puruesh Chaudhary, founder and president of Agahi, a media development and capacity-building organization, said, “With the rise of technology, hackers pose a significant risk and target women with various nefarious intentions, including identity theft, financial fraud and violation of privacy. In Pakistan, it is essential for women to educate themselves about internet safety measures, be careful when sharing personal information, and be aware of common scams.
Empowering women through digital literacy is paramount to mitigating cyber risks and creating a safer and more inclusive digital environment for all.” Ahead of International Women’s Day, in Kaspersky’s special “Letters to the Past” project, Kaspersky employees highlight the importance of women supporting women and share advice they would give to their former selves – girls who may still fear the world of IT, but later became world-protecting superheroes from cyber threats. Find their inspiring stories on the Women in Tech website that prove nothing can stop you.
In order for women not to become victims of cybercriminals, Kaspersky experts recommend that they rely on official websites, authorized dealers, and reputable sources. Avoid unofficial or dubious sources that may try to take advantage of your enthusiasm. Experts also recommend using a reliable security solution such as Kaspersky Premium, which identifies malicious attachments and blocks phishing sites.
