Usually, such videos are disguised as tutorials for downloading hacked versions of Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Autodesk 3ds Max, AutoCAD and other paid programs.

what is known

The researchers write that YouTube remains one of the most popular channels for spreading malware. Criminal activity related to the distribution of thieves (data stealing programs) through video hosting increased by 200-300% compared to the previous month.

Analysts estimate that 5 to 10 such videos are uploaded to YouTube every hour, while criminals use SEO poisoning methods to make videos appear at the top of search results.

• Links to the virus are usually in the description directly below the video.and is often disguised using URL shorteners (Bitly or Cuttly), and the malware can be hosted on MediaFire, Google Drive, Discord, GitHub, and Telegra.ph.
• In some cases hackers use data leaks and social engineering to hijack other people’s YouTube accountsand then (until the malware is discovered) it uses popular channels to spread its malware to its subscribers.

Loading [роликів] video provides external legitimacy to such accounts. Typically, YouTubers notify YouTube of a hacked account and regain access to their account within a few hours. However, hundreds of users can be victims in a few hours,
– say experts.

Artificial intelligence helps

Recently, hackers have also resorted to the help of artificial intelligence. Platforms such as Synthesia and D-ID allow you to create such a realistic picture that it is impossible to suspect a fake. A character created like this interprets the steps to be taken to download and install the hacked software, and the audience trusts him.