Attention Windows users: Dangerous malware disguises itself as an update

Windows users should be on the lookout for a new scam from online cybercriminals. As the security experts of “CloudSEK” in a report resume, scammers spoof a Microsoft website and rebuild it to look like the real thing. This is supposed to provide an upgrade to Windows 11 for users. Through search engine optimization, criminals put the site at the top of the search results.

If a user now clicks on the page, it loads the fake update and then installs it on the Windows PC. Then more malware is loaded. These are designed to steal sensitive data from users. The software scans folders, the browser or even the cache. Crypto wallets should also be in the spotlight.

Dangerous malware for Windows: how to protect yourself

The scammers used the “windows11-upgrade11.com” website to distribute the malware. This has now been locked down and can no longer be accessed. However, caution is advised for Windows users who wish to upgrade to the next version of the operating system. Other scammers may further distribute the software on other fake sites.

You can protect yourself from this scam by only getting a Windows 11 update from trusted sources. At CHIP you will find this in our Windows 11 ISO download page. Alternatively, you can use the system information on your PC to start an update if Microsoft has already made it available to you.

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