The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCCCSIRT) has warned those looking to acquire pirated software and resources that they risk becoming victims of cyber criminal gangs that are using AIgenerated YouTube videos to distribute malware.
NCC-CSIRT further warned in its advisory that the consequences of falling victim can be significant for individuals and organizations, resulting in critical damage like data theft, financial loss, identity theft, system damage, and reputation damage.
It said unsuspecting victims who watch these AIgenerated tutorial videos will be duped into clicking on one of the links in the video description, which usually results in the download of data-stealing malware.
The number of YouTube videos containing such links has increased by 200-300% months on month since November 2022.
It said, “To stimulate the interest of potential victims, video tutorials on how to pirate sought-after software such as AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, and other similar paid-for software are created.
“These videos are created with AI and feature humans with facial features that research has shown other humans find trustworthy.
“The tutorials in these videos are frequently bogus and steer viewers to links in the description that led to information-stealing malware like Raccoon, Vidar, and RedLine.
“Malicious actors can create AI-generated videos that include hidden or disguised malware.”
