Protect Your Tech

Malware in ‘cracked software’ ads

What’s the threat?

A new malware is infecting computers after users click on adverts showing results for ‘cracked software’, which are paid-for programs that have been illegally hacked to make them free to download. The malware, called Mosaicloader, can install Trojans and steal your usernames and passwords, as well as hog your computer resources by mining cryptocurrency.

In order to appear genuine, the illegal download has the same file information as the real software, even down to the names and descriptions within file folders.

The criminals behind the attack appear to be exploiting the rise in the number of home workers looking for free versions of expensive programs. Researchers at Bitdefender said the malware is probably the work of a new gang that wants to quickly build an infected network of computers then sell it to the highest bidder on the dark web.

How can you stay safe?

The simplest way to avoid Mosaicloader is to never search for cracked software. Downloading these pirated programs isn’t just illegal; it’s also extremely dangerous. Even if they don’t infect your computer with malware, they’ll probably fill it with junk instead.

Antivirus programs usually block cracked software, so make sure you keep yours switched on. It’ll prevent you from accidentally downloading anything dodgy.

You can avoid all malicious adverts by sticking only to the software we recommend and typing the URL into your browser. That’ll take you to the correct download page, so you won’t need to risk clicking any adverts.

To see the UK’S most pirated programs visit www.snipca.com/38994. Three big Adobe tools top the list: Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro. As you can see in our screenshot, searching for cracked versions of Photoshop produces over 1.5 million results.