Cracked versions of Windows 11 infect thousands with malware

People rush to try the new Windows 11 – resort to insecure sources, Kaspersky says

Windows 11 installers booby-trapped with malware spreading aroundFake Windows 11 installers are infecting curious users with malware

Windows fans and loyal customers around the globe eagerly await the launch of the new Windows 11. However, cyber threats seem to be on the way, even before the new version of the operating system is fully available to the public. As Windows Insiders program members test the product in safety, many turn to illegal and unsafe sources.

Eagerly users of the system cannot wait to gather access to the new version, therefore fake Windows 11 has emerged and threatens with dangerous malware[1]. A cybersecurity firm Kaspersky warns users about fake Windows 11 installers that currently swirls the internet.

The aim of such trickery is to charm users into a fake trust that would allow the installation process to begin. However, chances are, these installers have nothing to do with Windows 11. Experts provide information that while downloading, what users hope is new Windows 11 and its installers, malicious software is actually installed on the device.

Windows 11 has already received enough critique as users that are testing the new system have already encountered issues and bugs. A major problem was faced when Insiders program members couldn't even download the OS at all[2]. Some of the flaws were later fixed with quick updates, however, as it seems, security is still very much in danger.

Clever techniques used to trick users into executing the malicious file

It seems that the key element of this threatening situation is installer that claims to install Windows 11. Experts point out, that when running the executable, another executable is being download, which prompts users to accept a license agreement, because that is the only option.

However, situation gets tricky because license agreement will state that the installer will download another software, claiming that it is additional. In truth, when accepting license agreement, malicious software is allowed to download and it could cover wide range of malicious software types, for example, software that can be designed to steal passwords and other sensitive data.

Malware is dangerous in general as threat actors tend to use it to infect many devices and seriously harm victims. There are range of threatening malware, including viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, adware and so on[3]. Email phishing or fake links on frequently used websites could also lead to dangerous situation, so be aware.

Precaution and usage of official channels are a must in today's cyber space

Such malicious findings are bad news for way too eager users of Windows. However, if one lesson can be learnt here, it is the fact that in order to avoid getting infected, you should always download programs from official sources[4]. As of right now, for mass audience Windows 11 isn't available, only to the members of Insiders group.

Windows Insiders program could be available after simple registration process and could be installed on any Windows 10 computer. A TPM 2.0 security processor is also required, in order to upgrade or even install Windows 11[5]. However, members of the program already in the Dev channel could avoid these requirements and test out the product either way.

About the author
Ugnius Kiguolis
Ugnius Kiguolis - The mastermind

Ugnius Kiguolis is a professional malware analyst who is also the founder and the owner of 2-Spyware. At the moment, he takes over as Editor-in-chief.

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