Be Aware of Deceptive Online File Converters Masking as Malware
Switching Formats with a Grain of Salt
Let's be real, transforming a .pdf into a .docx or vice versa may seem like a breeze—especially with those free online convertors promising quick help. But holds your horses, my friend! The FBI Denver Field Office just dropped a bombshell—some of these online document converters could be sneaky little devils, slipping malware onto your device and giving hackers a peak at your private data.
Woah, right? These tools might trick you by doing what they advertise, like converting a .docx to a .pdf or merging multiple files into one. But the file you end up with could be loaded with hidden ransomware, adware, or riskware that makes your computer vulnerable to attackers. You might even get tricked into downloading a 'conversion tool' (that's actually malware) or installing a malicious browser extension.
Here's the lowdown from Malwarebytes Labs on some of the shady sites to beware of:
- Imageconvertors[.]com (Phishing)
- convertitoremp3[.]it (Riskware)
- convertisseurs-pdf[.]com (Riskware)
- convertscloud[.]com (Phishing)
- convertix-api[.]xyz (Trojan)
- convertallfiles[.]com (Adware)
- freejpgtopdfconverter[.]com (Riskware)
- primeconvertapp[.]com (Riskware)
- 9convert[.]com (Riskware)
- Convertpro[.]org (Riskware)
But remember, that's not the only sleazy converters out there! To avoid getting duped, steer clear of these sketchy services and stick with trusted software instead. However, if you think you've been compromised, take these basic steps to secure your identity:
- Change your passwords using a clean, trusted device.
- Run an anti-malware program to catch any threats.
When you need to quickly shift from one format to another, resistance is futile. Googling "free file converter" and clicking on whatever pops up may seem like the easiest solution, but just don't! Start by using the software or applications you already have that can open the file. Look for an "Export" or "Save As" option under the "File" menu. Tools like Microsoft Office, many PDF editors, Adobe's free tools, and several other free document converters can help you out.
Remember, when you convert files, you might lose some formatting in the process, but at least you'll be safe and sound!
- While the appealing nature of free online file converters like ConvertAllFiles may be tempting, they might mask malware such as adware, potentially putting your device at risk.
- The FBI warns that free online file converters such as FreeJPGToPDFConverter could also harbor riskware, a type of software that could weaken your computer's security and make it vulnerable to attacks.
- In Denver, the FBI office recently highlighted several questionable online file converters, with ConvertAllFiles listed among them, indicating potential adware presence. Be cautious when utilizing these services to prevent unwanted software infiltration.
