Recent research from GetApp shows that over 81% of people open phishing emails on their work devices.
One big reason for this issue is that many hackers exploit victims with scam-yourself attacks. That’s right: With the right amount of psychological manipulation, hackers can trick almost anyone into falling for their phishing attacks.
How Can You Scam Yourself?
According to a threat intelligence report from Gen, scam-yourself attacks increased by 614% in 2024. These cyber-attacks use social engineering to manipulate people into malicious acts like malware distribution without them even realizing it. Hackers tap into basic human nature, using tactics like creating urgency or fear, impersonating real people or organizations, appealing to curiosity, pulling on victims’ heartstrings, or targeting greed.
Whatever approach they take, when hackers exploit victims with scam-yourself attacks, they can gain access to your business’s sensitive information, steal money, and generally wreak havoc on operations.
How People Are Scamming Themselves
In 2024, several attacks significantly increased, turning normally vigilant people into victims. These schemes compromised corporate and personal data and banking information, launched ransomware attacks, and more.
ClickFix
ClickFix scams target individuals having issues with their devices. When they look for solutions, malicious sites present fake solutions, typically copying and pasting malicious code into command prompts. Instead of solving the problem, the code grants hackers total control of the device and access to all its data.
Fake Software Updates
Fake updates are malware disguised as harmless but urgent updates that you must install immediately to keep your computer or software working.
Fake CAPTCHA
We’ve all had to click a button or solve a puzzle to prove that we’re not robots online, and hackers have found a way to create fake CAPTCHAS for malware distribution. The scheme tricks people into solving an “I’m not a robot” puzzle, which causes victims to copy malicious code and infect their devices.
Fake Tutorials
Using fake tutorials to spread malware taps into a desire to get something for free. Hackers offer “tutorials” on YouTube or social media that promise free access to paid software they can use to follow the guide. Instead, the “free” software is little more than malware.
Keep Your Business Safe From These Attacks
Given that so many people encounter phishing at work, businesses have to take steps to secure their networks. Knowing that hackers exploit victims with scam-yourself attacks, it’s important to develop policies regarding downloads, software updates, and technical support that prohibit employees from being able to use unapproved sources. Other effective tactics include:
- Limiting administrator privileges so users can’t install anything without approval.
- Implement advanced threat detection and malware-blocking tools to stop attacks in their tracks.
- Regularly updating operating systems to block common exploits.
It’s hard to overcome human nature when protecting your business, but staying vigilant to threats can go a long way toward preventing a breach.
