How hackers research their potential victims on social media

Hackers meticulously analyze users' behavior on social media to launch targeted phishing attacks that can also disrupt companies' operations and even lead to financial losses. The IT security company Palo Alto Networks warned about this in a recently published statement.

Appeal to emotions

Palo Alto points out that cyber hackers typically first visit social media profiles of targeted victims, as well as company employees, before introducing digital threats. These trick users into disclosing personal information and sensitive company data. “These attacks appeal to emotions such as fear, curiosity, urgency and greed, tricking unsuspecting employees into clicking on a link or attachment while ignoring basic security precautions,” the company continued.

A common form of cyberattack is the use of ransomware. A company's data or systems are held hostage until a ransom is paid. It is a type of malware or malicious software that can illegally penetrate computer networks. According to Palo Alto's Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report, 66 percent of malware is distributed via PDFs. They can usually be attached via email and if users click on them, hackers can potentially break into company databases.

More ChatGPT bait

“As public interest in generative AI grows, malicious actors are also using it to their advantage, with ChatGPT baits increasingly being used to spread malware across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp,” Palo Alto points out another danger in the report there. However, an international study that companies are also arming themselves against cybercrime, as press release has reported.

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Source:

Press release