The Barbie Fever: India among Top 3 Malware Targets

The Barbie fever is spreading like wildfire and for all the great reasons. The opening weekend of Barbie the mega hit movie managed to touch a total collection of $337 million. While movie lovers are downloading the movie, cyber criminals are chalking out ways to exploit Barbie craze with malware attacks! This includes (Barbie malware attack) US accounting to 37%, 6% in Australia, and 5% in India and UK.
The reality is the bubbly and attractive icon of Barbie has a darker side across the world of the internet. After the movie release, illicit cybercriminals have started targeting the fans by luring them with malware infected downloads.

India among Top 3 Victims of Malware Attacks:

Interestingly, there has been an extraordinary craze for Barbie in India- Barbie and movie lovers are increasingly searching for movie download links and related items online. But, unfortunately, the Barbie craze is exposing users to malware attacks, despite piracy policy and banning of several torrent sites. In fact, India is among the top 3 countries affected by Barbie-craze cybercrime.

The Barbie Cyber Scam:

Leading Antivirus Company’s take on ongoing Scam:

According to a leading antivirus company, there is a surge in cyber scams mainly targeting Barbie lovers.

How do these Malware Attacks work?

• Duped Movie and phony Ticket links:

  The online scam majorly involves duped versions of the movie injected with an integrated virus. This also includes phony videos offering free tickets infected with Barbie themed malware. These apparently legitimate looking files carry spyware-infused links that steal personal information as online users click on the links.

• Malware-laden Movie Files in Different Languages:

  Based on the reports by a leading antivirus company, these malicious tactics also include tricking people to download Barbie in different languages. The malicious links offer the Barbie movie in the preferred language of fans with .zip files that are in reality malwares infected.

• YouTube videos with shady Links:

  Besides, scammers are coming up with shady YouTube links. But these download links, in reality, will redirect you to malware. Redline Stealer is the malware which pilfers login credentials, personal information from the devices. The file comes mainly in the form of .exe and .html format. The sensitive data gathered by the cybercriminals are sold across the dark web. Attackers have opted to latch malicious activities with the hype of Barbie movies and are recklessly using Barbie trends to deceive people.
  The ongoing craze of Barbie themed items and merchandise online, have made fans vulnerable to traps laid by cyber criminals.
  Reports by a leading antivirus company also hints at several malicious campaigns that are attempting to trick victims into downloading malicious links.

Safety Tips to Prevent Malware Attacks:

However, it is important to take necessary protective measures to enjoy safe surfing without falling prey to malware attacks. Good thing is, the antivirus giant has already provided a set of vital tips to protect oneself against these scams.

• Please stick to the trusted sources while downloading the Barbie movie or any movie in general,
• If you are purchasing tickets online, make sure to purchase only from trusted ticketing apps or the theater chains.