"A malicious network of videos hosted on YouTube has been discovered by researchers who branded it "one of the largest malware operations seen on YouTube." Also: If a TikTok 'tech tip' tells you to paste code, it's a scam. Here's what's really happening The researchers' discovery On Thursday, Check Point researchers published a report that revealed the scam, dubbed the YouTube Ghost Network, which they tracked for over a year."
"Over 3,000 YouTube videos, described as part of a "sophisticated malware distribution network," contained tutorial-style content that enticed viewers with promises of free or cracked software, game hacks, and game cheats. The most common lures were for free versions of Adobe Photoshop, FL Studio, and Microsoft Office, alongside hacks for games, including Roblox. Easy-to-understand instructions accompanied each video, telling viewers to download a password-protected archive from sources including Google Drive and Dropbox."
The YouTube Ghost Network consists of over 3,000 malicious YouTube videos active since 2021, with uploads tripling in 2025. Videos used tutorial-style formats promising cracked software, game hacks, and cheats to lure viewers, often targeting Adobe Photoshop, FL Studio, Microsoft Office, and Roblox. Each video directed users to download password-protected archives hosted on Google Drive or Dropbox and instructed them to temporarily disable Windows Defender before extracting and running files. A web of fake accounts and coordinated uploads made the videos appear genuine. Once executed, the malicious files install malware and distribute additional payloads, compromising user systems.
Read at ZDNET
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