Free Online File Conversion Services May Actually Cost You a Lot!

Your boss asks you to convert that Word file into PDF, so you start looking for free online file conversion services and choose one of them. Be careful, you may end up installing malware into your computer or smartphone! The cybersecurity services team at CyberFlow is aware of dozens of websites that offer free file conversion tools with infostealers hidden in the installer.

This is just another creative way hackers have found to trick people into getting their devices infected with malicious software. After all, converting files is one of the most basic tasks we do on a daily basis, and we don’t think twice about the tool we use. This is precisely what malicious actors count on.

Be Careful about Online File Converters with Hidden Risks!

So far, our specialists have identified three ways in which the free file conversion tools deliver malware to users’ devices. These are:

1. Installing a File Conversion Tool

This is the simplest way of getting malware on a device. When you open phishing online file conversion services pages, they encourage you to download and install their free tool.

Here, there are two potential scenarios:

• The installer is the malware that starts spreading quickly into your system
• There is a genuine file converter with malware hidden inside its processes.

Either way, you end up with an infostealer actively collecting your sensitive data and sending it to hackers.

2. Installing a Browser Extension

In some cases, the malicious file conversion websites ask you to install a browser extension that will help you convert files quickly. The extension actually disables all the security features of your browser.

From this point forward, the hackers have an open backdoor to install malware through various phishing websites.

3. The Malware Hidden in the Converted Document

In the most sophisticated type of attack, the online file conversion services controlled by hackers actually deliver the desired file. However, the malware is embedded into this file.

Thus, anyone opening it will get their device infected. Given how much work files circulate between team members and their superiors, an entire company IT network could get infected in a matter of hours.

How to Prevent Getting Malware from File Conversion Tools

The most important thing companies can do is educate their employees on cybersecurity policies and risks. Many people are used to looking for various tools and apps on their own, without asking the IT department to vet them.

This is a risky behaviour, which hackers actively exploit. The solution is to have an approved list of the best file converters that employees can use. And whenever they don’t find what they need, they should be encouraged to ask the cybersecurity team for assistance.

Also, it is always good to remember that whenever an offer is too good to be true, it generally isn’t. If most file conversion tools are available for a one-time fee or monthly subscription, a free online service should be treated with suspicion.

Last but not least, using advanced cybersecurity solutions is the strongest line of defence between your company data and IT network and hackers. Even if an employee forgets the safety protocol, they will not be able to download and install an unauthorised tool or software.

Reach out to CyberFlow today! We will strengthen your cybersecurity posture and educate your employees on safe online habits. Our comprehensive approach covers every device, system and user – so get the best cyber defence now!