Security News > 2024 > May > YouTube has become a significant channel for cybercrime

The threat research team discovered a significant spike in scams leveraging sophisticated tactics such as using deepfake technology, AI-manipulated audio synchronization, and hijacking of YouTube and other social channels to disseminate fraudulent content.

While all social media is a natural breeding ground for scams, YouTube has become a significant channel for crime.

According to telemetry from Avast, 4 million unique users were protected against threats on YouTube in 2023, and approximately 500,000 were protected in January-March 2024.

Automated advertising systems combined with user-generated content provides a gateway for cybercriminals to bypass conventional security measures, making YouTube a potent channel for deploying phishing and malware.

YouTube serves as a conduit to Traffic Distribution Systems, directing people to malicious sites and supporting scams ranging from fake giveaways to investment schemes.

Channel hijacking for scams: By gaining control of YouTube channels through phishing or malware, attackers repurpose these channels to promote scams - such as cryptocurrency scams - often involving fake giveaways that require an initial deposit from viewers.

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/05/21/youtube-phishing/