In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, a fresh method has emerged as cybercriminals employ deceitful tactics through the use of fake "Are You Human" checks. The objective behind this nefarious scheme is to lure unsuspecting individuals into granting unwarranted permissions, consequently opening the floodgates for an onslaught of unwanted alerts and messages.

Diving into details

Utilizing the Google Dork technique, a security researcher has uncovered more than 2,500 websites that employ this approach. This could potentially represent only the beginning of a widespread trend. 
  • Notably, a significant subset of these websites has implemented the protection of antibot[.]cloud. 
  • Initially, users may encounter the antibot system's authentic "Are You Human" verification process, which creates an illusion of normalcy. 
  • However, upon successfully passing this initial check, the website cunningly introduces a counterfeit "Are You Human" test, aiming to confuse and manipulate users into granting undesired permissions.

Why this matters

  • Granting permissions to these websites essentially paves the way for an inundation of notifications, which can quickly escalate from a minor annoyance to a significant disruption to your browsing activities.
  • These websites, furthermore, exploit the granted permissions to establish a backdoor into your browser. Through this illicit access, they gain the capability to abuse your trust by delivering spam, launching phishing attacks, or even distributing malware directly to your device. 

The bottom line

In essence, a seemingly harmless click of "accept" could unknowingly place you at the forefront of a potential cyber attack. The emergence of tactics involving fake "Are You Human" checks highlights the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats. Regularly updating your browser, using reliable security software, and exercising caution while browsing can help mitigate the risks associated with these tactics. Stay informed and adopt proactive measures to safeguard your online security and privacy.
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Cyware