“I’m Not a Robot… I’m Malware”: A Surge of Fake CAPTCHA Scams Hits Spain

The cybersecurity sector is on high alert due to a wave of scams leveraging fake CAPTCHAs to deceive users and steal sensitive data. Spain has emerged as one of the most affected countries in this campaign, which was identified by Kaspersky, a prominent cybersecurity firm. This malicious tactic involves exploiting CAPTCHA-like interfaces to steal credentials, cookies, and cryptocurrency-related files.

The Rise of Fake CAPTCHAs as a Cybercrime Tool

Traditionally used to differentiate humans from bots, CAPTCHAs are now being co-opted by cybercriminals to deploy malware stealthily and effectively.

The method begins with web ads redirecting users to fraudulent sites that mimic legitimate CAPTCHA forms or Chrome error messages. On these fake pages, victims are tricked into copying and executing a PowerShell command on their Windows devices. This command downloads malware that infiltrates the system, extracting sensitive personal and financial data.

Between September and October 2024, Kaspersky detected over 140,000 interactions with malicious ads, of which 20,000 led to fake CAPTCHA pages.

How the Scam Works

1. Deceptive Web Ads: Users encounter full-screen ads with no visible content, which redirect them to fraudulent sites.
2. Fake CAPTCHA Pages: These sites convincingly replicate authentic CAPTCHA interfaces or browser error messages to gain trust.
3. Malware Execution: Victims are instructed to execute commands that unknowingly install malware.
4. Data Theft: The malware collects sensitive information such as passwords, cookies, and cryptocurrency-related files, exposing users to financial and privacy risks.

Protecting Yourself from These Threats

Cybersecurity experts, including Kaspersky, suggest adopting preventive measures to avoid falling victim to such scams:

• Think Before Acting: Avoid following suspicious instructions from unknown web pages, especially those requiring you to execute commands or download files.
• Use Security Software: Install reliable cybersecurity solutions with malware and phishing protection to block threats before they reach your devices.
• Secure Password Management: Use a password manager to store credentials safely and enable two-factor authentication for added account security.
• Stay Informed: Regularly update your knowledge about emerging cyber threats to identify and avoid scams effectively.

What to Do If You’re a Victim

If you suspect you’ve fallen prey to these scams, act quickly to minimize the damage:

• Change all your passwords immediately.
• Scan your device for malware using trusted security tools.
• Notify your bank or cryptocurrency service provider about potential unauthorized access.
• Report the incident to local authorities to help combat these crimes.

Fake CAPTCHAs represent an alarming evolution in cybercriminal tactics, exploiting widespread trust in a ubiquitous technology. Staying vigilant and proactive is critical to safeguarding your personal and financial information.