Hackers are disguising malware as ChatGPT, Microsoft Office, and Google Drive to dupe workers

"Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Europe and North, West, and Central Africa are being targeted by malware masquerading as legitimate tools. According to Kaspersky, cyber criminals are disguising malware and potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) as trusted tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Office applications ,and Google Drive. Between January and April this year, Austria, Italy, and Germany were among the hardest hit countries in Europe, with the campaign accelerating at pace."

"Austria accounted for 40% of all detected cases in which PUAs and malware mimicked legitimate brands, followed by Italy at 25%, Germany at 11%, and Spain (10%). Meanwhile, in Africa, Morocco topped the list, with 41% of all detected PUAs. The most common threats affecting SMBs in Europe included backdoors (24%), Trojans (17%), and not- a-virus:Downloaders (16%). All of these are designed to infiltrate networks without raising suspicion, Kaspersky noted."

Malware and potentially unwanted applications are being disguised as trusted tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Office applications, and Google Drive to target SMBs across Europe and North, West, and Central Africa. Between January and April, Austria, Italy, and Germany were among the hardest hit in Europe, with Austria accounting for 40% of detected cases and Morocco accounting for 41% of detected PUAs in Africa. Common threats in Europe include backdoors (24%), Trojans (17%), and not-a-virus:Downloaders (16%), while Africa is dominated by not-a-virus:Downloaders (55%). Recommended defenses include employee awareness training, strong authentication and authorization, strict password policies and multi-factor authentication, regular software updates and patching, safe email practices, secure password management, phishing recognition, and proper handling of sensitive data.

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