How to identify and avoid malware when using social networks

Most of us are constantly scrolling through social media, from reading news, commenting on posts, liking photos, to clicking on ads without much thought. These activities may seem harmless and routine, but in reality, they pose many risks.

Using social media in this way can make you a target for cyber security threats, especially malware. These threats can sneak onto your device, expose your personal information, destroy your data, or even cause serious financial loss.

How does malware reach you on social media?

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Zalo, Instagram and TikTok attract billions of users globally, becoming an indispensable part of many people's daily lives. However, this popularity makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals.

The sheer volume of users and anonymity these platforms provide makes them easy for hackers to exploit to spread malware. Bad actors can take advantage of security weaknesses, user ignorance, and even popular content trends to launch attacks.

Below are some common ways malware is typically distributed on social media platforms.

1. Fraudulent ads redirect to harmful websites

When scrolling through your social media feed, you often come across ads, and clicking on them often leads to other businesses’ websites or pages. Most of these ads are created by legitimate businesses with the aim of reaching and attracting new customers.

However, not all ads are harmless. Hackers often take advantage of this advertising feature to post malicious ads that target unsuspecting users. These ads are often cleverly designed to look like they come from trusted brands or businesses to trick you into clicking.

When clicked, you may be redirected to fake or phishing websites designed to steal sensitive information such as your username, password, or credit card details.

Additionally, some ads contain malicious code that automatically downloads and installs malware on your device without your knowledge. This can lead to loss of control of your device, loss of data, or tracking of your online activities.

2. Phishing posts with embedded malware

Cybercriminals often use impersonation tactics to scam users on social media. They can impersonate celebrities, reputable brands, or even people you know on your friends list. By creating fake accounts or hacking into legitimate accounts, hackers share posts that look trustworthy to trick users into engaging.

These posts may contain malicious links that lead to phishing sites or automatically download malware to your device when you click on them. Some posts may ask you to take actions like filling in personal information, logging back into your account, or downloading attachments, without you knowing that you are giving malware permission or revealing sensitive information.

Even more dangerous, posts from accounts of friends or acquaintances can easily give you a sense of security, causing you to lower your guard. This increases the likelihood that you will interact with dangerous content without realizing the potential risks.

3. Phishing links shared in messages

Hackers often use phishing tactics to trick users into visiting malicious websites. These messages are often cleverly disguised, appearing as if they are from a trusted source. They may impersonate reputable businesses, well-known organizations, or even family and friends in your contact list.

A common example is a message that masquerades as an urgent notification, such as “There’s a problem with your account” or “You just received a gift.” These messages create a sense of curiosity or urgency, making it easy to click on a link without thinking twice. Even when the message comes from someone you know, you may be less cautious, not realizing that their account has been compromised.

This sophisticated technique not only increases the risk of information theft, but also puts users in situations where they are being tracked or have their data illegally exploited.

How to avoid malware on social media

Malware can take many forms in cyberspace, especially on social media platforms. This requires users to remain vigilant and take precautions to avoid falling prey to cybercriminals.

1. Be careful with offers that seem too good to be true.

Have you ever come across an ad that promises cash, free gifts, or "unbelievable" discounts? If so, be cautious, as these enticing offers could be a ploy by cybercriminals trying to scam you.

While not all promotional ads are scams, keep in mind that ads that seem too good to be true can be risky. These types of ads are often designed to grab your attention and make you let your guard down.

To protect yourself, arm yourself with knowledge about how to recognize fraudulent ads, avoid being targeted by them, and prevent accidentally downloading malware onto your device.

2. Double check links before clicking

If you receive a link to a website or service, always double-check before clicking. For links from legitimate sources, the website URL should exactly match the official domain name of the brand or organization.

For example, if you get a link from a well-known company like Amazon, its URL will start with "amazon.com" with no change in the domain name.

If you spot any spelling mistakes, or see strange characters, such as "amzon.com" instead of "amazon.com" or the presence of inappropriate hyphens, this could be a sign of a fake website. In this case, it's best to avoid clicking on the link and seek information directly from the brand's official website.

3. Always double-check the source of the application and only download from trusted sources

When you need to download an app, make sure that you only download it from trusted sources like the developer's official website or reputable app stores like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

These stores often test and ensure the safety of apps before they are allowed on their platforms. Avoid downloading apps through ads or links shared on social media, as these links may take you to unsafe websites.

Instead of downloading the app you need, they may just install malware on your device, increasing your risk of cyberattacks, theft of personal data, or damage to your device. So always double-check the source of an app before downloading and installing it.

4. Be careful with fake accounts

Cybercriminals often use fake or compromised user or brand accounts to spread malware and conduct scams. However, there are ways to help you identify fake accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms and protect yourself from these threats.

Some obvious signs of a fake account include using stolen photos or images that don't match the content. Additionally, fake accounts often have little engagement on their posts, such as a lack of likes, comments, or shares, which may indicate that the account is not actually active or is being managed by a fake individual.

Another sign to watch out for is posts containing spelling and grammar errors, which is not common on official accounts or those of reputable people.

In short, the presence of malware on social media may be on the rise, and it's important to be aware of the potential dangers in order to protect yourself.

The best way to protect your online safety is to stay vigilant, double-check links and ads before clicking, verify the origin of accounts and information you come into contact with, and pay attention to warning signs like spelling mistakes, mismatched images, or low engagement on posts.

Knowing the precautions and always being cautious when using social media platforms will help you avoid the risks of scams and malware.