Latest news with #Bitdefender
Fox News
01-08-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Facebook crypto ads lead to dangerous malware scams
cry You might already know that Facebook's biggest strength isn't the social media platform itself, but the user data it collects. The data we hand over without thinking twice is what this multibillion-dollar company uses to generate revenue. It sells that data to advertisers, who then try to make money off you by showing ads in the hope that you'll buy their products. I'll admit, sometimes the ad platform can be beneficial by connecting small businesses to potential buyers. However, since Facebook allows almost anyone to advertise with minimal moderation, it often leads to dangerous scams. Security researchers have found that a persistent malvertising campaign is plaguing Facebook, leveraging the reputations of well-known cryptocurrency exchanges to lure victims into a maze of malware. Bitdefender Labs reports that a malicious ad campaign has been running on Facebook for several months. The attackers use deceptive ads that imitate popular cryptocurrency brands like Binance, TradingView, ByBit and MetaMask. To make the scams seem legitimate, the ads often feature familiar faces such as Elon Musk, Cristiano Ronaldo or Zendaya. When users click the ads, they land on fake websites that look nearly identical to the real ones. These sites prompt visitors to download a so-called "desktop client." That download serves as the entry point for a sophisticated malware system. Instead of delivering malware directly, the fake site launches a silent server on the victim's device. This server then connects with a back-end channel to receive malicious instructions. The method makes it harder for traditional security tools to detect the attack. To avoid exposure, the attackers also use advanced filtering and tracking tools. If a user doesn't arrive through specific Facebook ad links, the website may show harmless content instead. The site also checks for automated tools or sandbox environments designed to catch threats. In some cases, it even blocks access unless the user opens it in Microsoft Edge, showing blank pages in other browsers. Bitdefender researchers found hundreds of Facebook accounts involved in promoting the campaign, sometimes posting over 100 ads in a single day. While many of these ads are taken down quickly, they often rack up thousands of views before disappearing. One Facebook page perfectly imitated TradingView's official account, including fake comments, posts and imagery, except for the redirect links that led to the malicious clone. The victims targeted tended to be men interested in technology and finance, and some ads specifically honed in on users in Bulgaria and Slovakia, showing how attackers fine-tune their campaigns based on geography and demographics. As this Facebook scam shows, cybercriminals are getting more creative and more convincing by the day. These tips can help you stay a step ahead. Scammers have become masters of visual deception. They replicate branding, use celebrity endorsements and mimic official pages to give their ads an air of legitimacy. In the Facebook malvertising campaign, attackers used names like Binance and faces like Elon Musk to earn trust instantly. Instead of clicking on ads, it's safer to visit the company's official website directly by typing the URL yourself. Take a moment to verify with official social media accounts or customer service if you're ever unsure about an ad's authenticity. In these attacks, users were tricked into downloading what appeared to be desktop apps for trusted services but were actually malware installers. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Interestingly, the attackers in this campaign used browser filtering to avoid detection, even prompting users to reopen the site specifically in Microsoft Edge. Using a secure browser like Firefox or Brave can help, and keeping it up to date ensures you're protected against the latest threats. Tools like content blockers or script filters can also help stop malicious behavior before it starts. Even the most convincing fake websites often have tells, whether it's a slightly off-brand URL, an odd layout or messaging that feels rushed or generic. A secure URL should begin with " and match the official domain name. If a site urges you to act quickly, promises high returns or asks for personal information up front, take a step back. These emotional pressure tactics are a hallmark of modern scams. Two-factor authentication (2FA) can provide an additional layer of security in case your accounts are compromised. Even if you accidentally fall for a scam and your login credentials are stolen, 2FA makes it significantly harder for attackers to access your account without the second verification step. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, using a personal data removal service can reduce your risk of being targeted in the first place. These services continuously scan data broker sites and request removals on your behalf, helping to keep your contact info, location history, and interests out of the hands of advertisers and potentially scammers. Given how this campaign leveraged Facebook data to target users interested in crypto and tech, the less data available about you online, the harder it is for attackers to personalize their scams. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Facebook's failure to rein in malvertising doesn't just put users at risk. It undermines the entire point of its ads platform. If people start associating Facebook ads with scams and malware, they'll stop clicking. And when that happens, advertisers lose money on impressions that go nowhere, eroding trust in the platform's ability to deliver real, safe engagement. For a company that relies so heavily on ad revenue, letting these threats slip through isn't just careless. It's self-destructive. If Facebook doesn't get a handle on this, both users and advertisers will eventually look elsewhere. Do you think social media platforms are doing enough to combat online scams? Let us know by writing to us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Techday NZ
31-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Bitdefender launches advisory service to tackle security skills gap
Bitdefender has introduced Bitdefender Cybersecurity Advisory Services to provide businesses with security consulting and access to specialised expertise. The service suite aims to address the operational and strategic security concerns of organisations by optimising existing security teams, identifying and closing security gaps, and providing assistance with regulatory compliance across environments such as cloud computing and third-party supply chains. The announcement highlights Bitdefender's intention to offer an integrated approach to security, spanning controls, prevention, detection, and response. A recent independent global survey of 1,200 IT and security professionals identified pressing challenges related to the cybersecurity workforce. Nearly half of respondents, 49%, reported that the skills gap in their organisation's cybersecurity capabilities had worsened over the previous year, while the same percentage indicated they were experiencing workplace burnout. The survey also indicated disparity in confidence levels between executives and middle management: 45% of C-level leaders expressed high confidence in their ability to manage cyber risk, compared to just 19% of mid-level managers. Market analysis from Gartner states, "Professional security services for 2024 had the highest market share with 35.5% or USD $27.3 billion (in current U.S. dollars). Interest in professional security services is rising due to increasing enterprise needs for third-party support, driven by skills shortages, alongside the growing demand for specialised expertise, including AI." Bitdefender's new advisory services are designed to address challenges organisations face in securing processes, technology, and personnel as attack surfaces expand. The offering also seeks to help organisations find and retain staff with skills in data laws, security leadership, and frameworks. Each client is provided with a tailored team, including a delivery manager, certified consultants, and a team lead responsible for coordinating assessments and keeping stakeholders informed of outcomes. The advisory services are structured to support Bitdefender's existing portfolios, including endpoint detection and response (EDR), extended detection and response (XDR), managed detection and response (MDR), offensive security services, or can be used as standalone offerings. Service pillars The new advisory services are categorised into three main areas: Strategy and Leadership, Risk and Compliance, and Event Preparedness. Under Strategy and Leadership, Bitdefender offers retainer-based advisory services to reinforce organisational leadership and provide comprehensive cybersecurity guidance. These services aim to enhance security teams, build strategic frameworks, and define measurable security outcomes. Bitdefender's team features experienced CISOs and security experts who bring sector-specific knowledge to their engagements. The Risk and Compliance pillar is focused on assisting organisations in navigating regulatory challenges by implementing and evaluating cybersecurity risk controls. Certified consultants assess compliance according to standards such as ISO 27001, NIST CSF, GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2, helping clients identify and remediate gaps. This is intended to improve business reputations and foster trust among customers and partners. Event Preparedness covers the development and assessment of incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans. This service includes real-world scenario drills and table-top exercises to reinforce roles and responsibilities during potential crises, such as data breaches or natural disasters. "Effective security involves more than just technology – it includes people, processes, and regulatory compliance essential for global business," said Paul Hadjy, Vice President of APAC and Cybersecurity Services, Bitdefender Business Solutions Group. "Bitdefender Cybersecurity Advisory Services helps organisations understand their current security posture, address gaps, optimise strategies, and prioritise actions with expert guidance. These services complement our full portfolio including endpoint protection, MDR and offensive services providing a viable path to a much more streamlined and thorough cybersecurity operation." Bitdefender has confirmed the availability of the Cybersecurity Advisory Services for organisations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity programmes through on-demand, expert-led consulting and strategy.
Techday NZ
24-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Bitdefender boosts creator security as scams top USD $1 trillion
Bitdefender has announced the expansion of its Security for Creators solution to provide unified protection across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. This development comes amid a significant increase in online scams, account takeovers, and malware attacks targeting digital content creators, influencers, and online creatives. Rising cyber threats Recent investigations have highlighted a growing threat landscape for creators. According to findings referenced by the company, more than 184 million exposed credentials and passwords have been uncovered, with millions linked to social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. The Global State of Scams 2024 Report further estimated global losses from online scams and fraud to have exceeded USD $1 trillion. The risks associated with such breaches for digital creators are substantial, ranging from loss of access to social accounts to compromised reputations and income streams. Expanded platform coverage Bitdefender Security for Creators extends protection to Facebook and Instagram alongside existing support for YouTube. The solution aims to safeguard content channels as well as devices running Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS through a single setup process that connects both accounts and endpoints. Once activated, the service continuously monitors channels for signs of anomalous behaviour and performs real-time scans on owner devices for phishing emails, malicious URLs, files, and potential malware. Alerts are delivered instantly to users in the event of suspicious activity. Key features The company outlined several notable features in its updated solution: 24/7 account monitoring for Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, detecting profile changes, bulk deletions, or unauthorised modifications that may signal a takeover attempt. Multi-platform management via a unified dashboard, allowing creators to oversee security across all connected platforms without switching between different tools or interfaces. Advanced threat defence, including protection from zero-day attacks, spyware, ransomware, infostealers, and other threats potentially targeting credentials or account control. AI-driven anti-phishing technology, designed to detect fraudulent communications such as emails or direct messages that mimic brand partnerships or sponsorship offers, including those generated using Large Language Models (LLM). Team protection options for collaborative creators, extending security measures to additional team members such as video editors or designers who have access to managed social media accounts. Account recovery assistance, providing a step-by-step playbook to guide creators through notifying platforms, regaining access, and restoring trust with audiences if an account is compromised. "Online creators are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals who weaponize trust to take over accounts and scam followers out of money or into downloading malware," stated Ciprian Istrate, Senior Vice President of Operations, Consumer Solutions Group at Bitdefender. "A single attack can wipe out years of hard work, brand reputation, and income. Bitdefender Security for Creators offers the first end-to-end service to help safeguard creators' accounts, content, and devices across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube – delivering continuous, always-on security as online threats evolve." The latest enhancements to Bitdefender Security for Creators come in response to the evolving nature of cyber threats against digital creators and follow widespread data leak incidents and fraudulent activities reported globally in recent months. The service is available for both new and existing customers. Follow us on: Share on:
Channel Post MEA
17-07-2025
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
Bitdefender And Scale Computing Join Hands On Edge Security
Scale Computing has announced a strategic partnership with Bitdefender to deliver advanced, integrated threat protection for private cloud and edge environments. The new joint solution combines the self-healing automation and virtualization power of Scale Computing Hypercore ( SC//Hypercore ) with Bitdefender GravityZone, a leading endpoint protection platform (EPP), to offer multilayered security for workloads, virtual desktops, and data—regardless of location. Together, the two companies provide a streamlined path to protect, simplify, and optimize modern IT environments without compromising performance. 'As IT environments become increasingly distributed and decentralized, customers need simple yet powerful ways to secure workloads across their entire infrastructure,' said Jeff Ready, CEO and co-founder, Scale Computing. 'Bitdefender shares our vision of reducing complexity while increasing security and resiliency. Together, we're delivering a joint solution that protects critical applications and data—without adding operational overhead.' Bitdefender GravityZone integrates directly with SC//Platform through a lightweight, high-performance agent or centralized scanning appliance, enabling unified threat prevention, detection, and response across hundreds of virtual machines and endpoints. The combined solution supports centralized management, streamlined deployment, and ransomware resilience, all while reducing operational burden on IT teams. 'The rise of hybrid and edge computing environments has created new security challenges—and organizations need scalable, high-performance solutions that don't get in the way of innovation,' said Dan Russell , senior director of channel for North America at Bitdefender Business Solutions Group. 'By partnering with Scale Computing, we're giving partners and customers a way to secure distributed infrastructure at the core and edge with enterprise-grade protection that's as seamless as it is powerful.' Key Benefits Include: Integrated protection for private cloud workloads, virtual desktops, and distributed applications for private cloud workloads, virtual desktops, and distributed applications Streamlined VDI security , threat detection, and real-time response , threat detection, and real-time response Efficient deployment with minimal overhead using Bitdefender's centralized scanning options with minimal overhead using Bitdefender's centralized scanning options Resilience and uptime , with self-healing infrastructure from Scale Computing , with self-healing infrastructure from Scale Computing Reduced complexity and Total Cost of Ownership for IT and security operations This partnership provides a powerful solution for organizations operating across multiple sites, especially those without on-site IT staff, seeking unified infrastructure and cybersecurity protection in a single, scalable stack.
Scoop
17-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Bitdefender, Scale Computing Partner On Cyber Edge Computing
Press Release – Bitdefender The new joint solution combines the self-healing automation and virtualisation power of Scale Computing Hypercore (SC//Hypercore) with Bitdefender GravityZone, a leading endpoint protection platform, to offer multilayered security for workloads, virtual … SYDNEY – 17 July 2025 – Scale Computing, a market leader in edge computing, virtualisation, and hyperconverged infrastructure, today announced a strategic partnership with Bitdefender, a global cybersecurity leader, to deliver advanced, integrated threat protection for private cloud and edge environments. The new joint solution combines the self-healing automation and virtualisation power of Scale Computing Hypercore (SC//Hypercore) with Bitdefender GravityZone, a leading endpoint protection platform (EPP), to offer multilayered security for workloads, virtual desktops, and data – regardless of location. Together, the two companies provide a streamlined path to protect, simplify, and optimise modern IT environments without compromising performance. 'As IT environments become increasingly distributed and decentralised, customers need simple yet powerful ways to secure workloads across their entire infrastructure,' said Jeff Ready, CEO and co-founder, Scale Computing. 'Bitdefender shares our vision of reducing complexity while increasing security and resiliency. Together, we're delivering a joint solution that protects critical applications and data – without adding operational overhead.' Bitdefender GravityZone integrates directly with SC//Platform through a lightweight, high-performance agent or centralised scanning appliance, enabling unified threat prevention, detection, and response across hundreds of virtual machines and endpoints. The combined solution supports centralised management, streamlined deployment, and ransomware resilience, all while reducing operational burden on IT teams. 'The rise of hybrid and edge computing environments has created new security challenges – and organisations need scalable, high-performance solutions that don't get in the way of innovation,' said Dan Russell, senior director of channel for North America at Bitdefender Business Solutions Group. 'By partnering with Scale Computing, we're giving partners and customers a way to secure distributed infrastructure at the core and edge with enterprise-grade protection that's as seamless as it is powerful.' Key Benefits Include: Integrated protection for private cloud workloads, virtual desktops, and distributed applications Streamlined VDI security, threat detection, and real-time response Efficient deployment with minimal overhead using Bitdefender's centralised scanning options Resilience and uptime, with self-healing infrastructure from Scale Computing Reduced complexity and Total Cost of Ownership for IT and security operations This partnership provides a powerful solution for organisations operating across multiple sites, especially those without on-site IT staff, seeking unified infrastructure and cybersecurity protection in a single, scalable stack. To learn more about the joint solution, visit: or About Scale Computing Scale Computing is a leader in edge computing, virtualisation, and hyperconverged solutions. Using patented HyperCore™ technology, Scale Computing Platform automatically identifies, mitigates, and corrects infrastructure problems in real-time, enabling applications to achieve maximum uptime, even when local IT resources and staff are scarce. Edge Computing is the fastest-growing area of IT infrastructure, and industry analysts have named Scale Computing an outperformer and leader in the space, including being named the #1 edge computing vendor by CRN. Scale Computing's products are sold by thousands of value-added resellers, integrators, and service providers worldwide. When ease-of-use, high availability, and TCO matter, Scale Computing Platform is the ideal infrastructure platform. Read what our customers have to say on Gartner Peer Insights and G2. About Bitdefender Bitdefender is a cybersecurity leader delivering best-in-class threat prevention, detection, and response solutions worldwide. Guardian over millions of consumers, enterprises, and government environments, Bitdefender is one of the industry's most trusted experts for eliminating threats, protecting privacy, digital identity and data, and enabling cyber resilience. With deep investments in research and development, Bitdefender Labs discovers hundreds of new threats each minute and validates billions of threat queries daily. The company has pioneered breakthrough innovations in antimalware, IoT security, behavioural analytics, and artificial intelligence and its technology is licensed by more than 180 of the world's most recognised technology brands. Founded in 2001, Bitdefender has customers in 170+ countries with offices around the world.
