The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has warned that downloading pirated software from YouTube videos could put you at risk of malware attacks. Cybercriminals are using AI-generated videos to trick people into downloading harmful software.
These fake tutorials often show how to download pirated versions of popular software like AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Premiere Pro. The videos seem trustworthy because they feature realistic human faces created by AI. However, clicking on links in the video description often leads to malware that can steal your data.
The advisory revealed that the number of such harmful videos has surged by 200-300% each month since November 2022. The malware can damage devices, steal personal information, and cause financial and reputational harm.
Cybercriminals also use AI videos to distribute other scams, such as fake software updates or phishing attacks. These scams trick users into downloading files or entering sensitive information on fake websites.
To stay safe, NCC-CSIRT advises against downloading pirated software and suggests installing antivirus software, keeping it updated, using endpoint protection, and being cautious before clicking on links.