Valentine's Day Warning: Dear lovebirds, cybercriminals are waiting for you with love-themed websites
Valentine's Day beware of the cybercriminals. A report of Check Point Research has warned that cybercriminals are targetting the lovebirds with love-themed online websites.
As per the report, there's a 39% increase in new domains incorporating «Valentine» or "love" in January, compared to the previous month. Shockingly, 1 in 8 of these domains were identified as malicious or posing risks to users seeking online romance. Not only individuals but organizations are also falling victim to these cyber threats.
Attempts to access hazardous websites saw a 34% rise in February compared to the prior month, and a staggering 175% surge from January 2023. This alarming trend emphasizes the escalating dangers surrounding significant events like Valentine's Day. Phishing attacks, which are already prevalent, are becoming more sophisticated.
Cybercriminals are now utilizing advanced AI tools, like ChatGPT, to create fake websites and chatbots that mimic legitimate businesses or potential romantic interests. These sophisticated scams aim to deceive victims into clicking malicious links or disclosing sensitive information.
Check Point Research has advised users to exercise extra caution when dealing with emails and messages offering special deals or romantic connections, as they are often used as bait to redirect victims to fraudulent websites. One such malicious website recently identified is «meioside.xyz.»
How to avoid fake websites
To help users identify phishing emails, Check Point Research provides the following guidance:
