In the wake of Pope Francis’s passing, cybercriminals have begun launching a series of malicious campaigns aimed at exploiting the heightened interest surrounding the event. As reported by Check Point Research, these attacks take advantage of the global response to the tragedy to engage users through disinformation and fraudulent links.
Bad actors are increasingly adept at manipulating social media platforms, utilizing eye-catching AI-generated images and sensational headlines to drive traffic. These tactics often lead to fake websites designed to steal sensitive data or execute financial scams. A recent example highlighted the obfuscation of malicious links within sites spreading dubious information about the Pope, which later redirected users to fraudulent Google pages soliciting gift card purchases for scams.
Reports indicate that on some of these fake websites, harmful programs operate silently in the background, collecting critical user information such as device details and location. This data is utilized to craft convincing scam messages or sold on the dark web, greatly amplifying the reach of cybercriminal operations.
The rise in these types of scams has been termed “cyber threat opportunism,” as attackers trend towards exploiting significant global events for malicious gain. With prior statistics indicating a surge in phishing and malware during events like the COVID-19 pandemic—where Google reported up to 18 million phishing attempts daily—experts warn of the need for heightened user awareness and robust security measures.
Experts advocate for the use of real-time web security tools to safeguard users from clicking on harmful links, particularly those emanating from unknown sources. Sensationalized headlines on social media can lure individuals into traps; users are urged to verify information through credible news outlets before engagement.