Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the recent global tech outage to promote fake websites filled with malicious software, as warned by the US government and cybersecurity professionals. These hackers are creating phony URLs that appear to offer information or solutions related to the IT meltdown but are actually designed to compromise visitors' information and devices.
The fraudulent websites are using domain names with keywords like CrowdStrike, the cybersecurity firm linked to the faulty software update causing the crisis, and 'blue screen,' a term associated with computers affected by the CrowdStrike glitch during boot-up.
These fake sites may entice victims by promising quick fixes for the CrowdStrike issue or by offering fake cryptocurrency deals. The Department of Homeland Security has observed threat actors exploiting the situation for phishing and other malicious activities.
In response to the incident, the Department's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has advised the public to remain vigilant and only follow instructions from legitimate sources. CrowdStrike has also provided guidance for affected organizations on how to address the issue.
