Cyber threats to women grow with technology

LAHORE: Hackers pose a significant threat to the cyber space users with the rise of technology, while the malware-infected websites and phishing pages mainly target women – including community sites, forums with advice articles, online stores selling clothes or cosmetics for females, and more.

According to recent research conducted by international cybersecurity firm Kaspersky and released ahead of International Women’s Day, some of the web pages were originally legitimate resources, but were later hacked by cybercriminals to spread malware. Kaspersky experts found web skimmers – usually embedded in the code of online shops to steal user payment data, leading to the potential financial loss of a victim.

Moreover, in the code of the pages, the researchers also detected Balada injector, a malware that forces users to allow notifications from the website. If a victim agrees, their browser will constantly pop-up a huge number of intrusive notifications on third-party pages, imposing scam content.

SocGholish malware was also detected among web threats on women’s community sites. This threat persuades users to download and run a malicious script under the guise of browser updates.

Additionally, Kaspersky researchers detected several phishing pages. To continue reading, victims had to enter their personal and bank card details. Once entered, this information was automatically transmitted to the attackers, while access to the book was never granted.

“The targets of cybercriminals know no bounds. Websites, irrespective of their audience, are vulnerable to mass attacks and what’s particularly concerning is that even reputable platforms can be infiltrated and compromised. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we need to recognize the importance of safeguarding our online presence. It’s essential for women, who often face heightened risks online, to exercise caution when installing software or sharing personal information. It’s a reminder to prioritize our digital safety and empower each other by using reliable cybersecurity measures,” said Usman Qureshi, country representative for Pakistan at Kaspersky.

Commenting on the matter, Puruesh Chaudhary, founder and president of the Agahi, a media development and capacity building organization, said that “with the rise of technology, hackers pose a significant risk, targeting women for various malicious intents, including identity theft, financial fraud, and privacy breaches. In Pakistan, it’s essential for women to educate themselves about online safety measures, being cautious about sharing personal information, and being aware of common scams. Empowering women with digital literacy is paramount in mitigating cyber risks,creating a safer and more inclusive digital environment for all.”