If you use online file conversion tools or YouTube video downloaders, you need to heed the FBI’s latest warning: you’re at risk of being hacked.
The FBI Warns Against Free Online File Conversion Tools
TheFBI Denver Field Officehas issued a warning against free online file conversion tools that can load malware onto your system or even scrape your files for sensitive information. The booby-trapped converters come both in offline and online variants and finish the conversion as advertised while also adding a little side of malware to the final output.
In this scenario, criminals use free online document converter tools to load malware onto victims’ computers, leading to incidents such as ransomware . . . To conduct this scheme, cyber criminals across the globe are using any type of free document converter or downloader tool. This might be a website claiming to convert one type of file to another, such as a .doc file to a .pdf file. It might also claim to combine files, such as joining multiple .jpg files into one .pdf file. The suspect program might claim to be an MP3 or MP4 downloading tool.
These converters are often websites that claim to convert one type of file to another, such as converting a Word document to PDF or an MP3 to MP4. Some sites might offer combining abilities like merging two PDFs or JPGs into one PDF with multiple pages. Last but not least, if you use third-party websites to download videos from YouTube and other websites, there’s a chance you might fall victim to the scheme.
As mentioned, any files submitted for conversions are scanned for personally identifiable information, including social security numbers, birthdays, addresses, and phone numbers, among others. Additionally, if the converter adds malware to the converted file you download and open, you could compromise your banking information and crypto-related data you might have on your PC. This includes seed phrases, wallet addresses, and any locally-stored passwords.
Can You Trust Online File Converters? Are They Safe to Use?
Want to change one type of file into another? Or remove a watermark? You might use a free online converter. But are they safe? Which should you try?
The malware can also grant the hackers access to the victim’s PC. The FBI reports that “many victims don’t realize they have been infected by malware until it’s too late,” with either their identity being stolen or their PC getting a ransomware infection.
How Can You Protect Yourself From File Converter Malware?
The FBI recommends slowing down and thinking. Be aware of your actions online and keep antivirus software on your PC updated and ready to tackle any threats. Additionally, I’d recommend avoiding using shady online converters or downloadable tools altogether. To be clear, legitimate online file conversion tools are available, but sometimes, it can be hard to tell the difference.
There are trustworthy programs available for just about any file conversion you want. In cases likeconverting PDF to Excel, you don’t even need third-party programs. You can evenuse Python to convert an image to a PDF; sometimes, manually changing the file extension can do the trick.
Furthermore, you can use screenshot management tools likeShareXorSnagitto perform basic conversions, while programs likePhotoshopandLightroomalso work, although they’re a bit overkill.
Some common sense and basic cybersecurity awareness can go a long way in protecting you online. If you believe you’ve already been hacked, immediately change your passwords and contact your bank to cancel any active credit or debit cards.
