Beware: Chrome, Safari, and Edge Users - Avoid Navigating These Sites
Rewritten Article:
In the wake of the FBI's warning for Americans to steer clear of scammy text messages flooding the nation, another alarming development has surfaced. This time, online utility websites have come under scrutiny, as the FBI has identified a new tactic involving these seemingly harmless sites being used as a gateway for cybercriminals to steal passwords, financial information, and wallets.
TechRadar: The FBI's Latest Warning – Stay Away from Shady Document Converters
The FBI's warning, issued via its Denver field office, states that these frauds are increasingly employing free online document converter tools to install malware on unsuspecting computer users, leading to incidents such as ransomware attacks.
To put a stop to these crooks, the FBI recommends that people should be educated to avoid falling victim to these scams in the first place. If you or someone you know has become a victim, the FBI advises reporting the incident and taking steps to safeguard your assets.
It's not only websites that pose a threat, though. There are many dangerous conversion tools lurking on app stores as well. However, unlike the official Google and Apple stores, there are no safeguards in place to stop criminals from publishing malicious websites. It's up to your device's built-in security measures and your common sense to keep you safe.
"Beware, tread cautiously, and think before you act online," the FBI advises. Additionally, PC users ought to have updated antivirus software running on their machines, and they should enable secure browsing if it's an option provided by their browser. Three popular browsers that offer secure browsing are Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, as well as Edge on desktop devices.
CNBC: FBI Warns of Dangerous Document Converters – Stay One Step Ahead
This is just the latest warning for both web and app users to steer clear of utility tools that are all too easy for attackers to craft and which tend to attract a ready audience. If you need to convert documents, stick to tools from well-known providers or the ones that come bundled with your operating system. Avoid sending files to the cloud for conversion and refrain from providing personal information or installing software from suspicious sites.
To better safeguard your devices from malware infections, follow these guidelines:
Secure Your Devices
1. Use Trusted Tools - Choose Reliable Provider: Utilize file conversion tools from trustworthy providers only or those that come pre-installed with your device's operating system. Steer clear of tools from obscure sources, especially those discovered through web searches.2. Update Antivirus Software - Make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date and scan any downloaded files before opening them.3. Safe Browsing Practices - Enable secure browsing features in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge (depending on the browser you're using). 4. Verify Website Security - Check that the site's address begins with "https" to ensure it's secure.5. Be Mindful Online - Consider the risks involved before using or downloading any file conversion tools. - Avoid websites that request additional software or ask for personal information.6. Report Incidents - If you suspect you've become a victim, report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).7. Secure Your Data - If you think your device may have been compromised, change all your passwords using a clean, trusted device. - Inform your bank and other financial institutions to protect your accounts.
VPNs (Optional) - While not directly related to file converters, using a VPN can provide added security when browsing the internet, particularly on public Wi-Fi networks.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can significantly minimize the risk of malware infections from shady document converter tools. Stay alert and stay safe online!
- The FBI warns that ransomware attacks have been increased through the use of free online document converter tools, which install malware on computers, and advises users to be cautious especially when using tools from obscure sources discovered through web searches.
- In addition to websites, dangerous conversion tools can also be found on app stores, and while Google and Apple stores have safeguards in place, there are no such protections for other platforms, making it crucial for device's built-in security measures and your common sense to keep you safe.
- To better safeguard your devices from malware infections, follow the guidelines provided by the FBI, which includes using trusted tools from reliable providers, updating antivirus software, practicing safe browsing, verifying website security, being mindful online, reporting incidents to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, securing your data, and considering using a VPN for added security.
