use the cloud It is something very common to save files of all kinds and have them always available. It is used to create backup copies, share documents with other people, exchange files between devices… However, it must also be taken into account that we can suffer computer attacks through these services. For this reason, in this article we are going to talk about the worst scams they can get when using the cloud.
Scams when using the cloud
For use the cloud you can use many available services. For example Google Drive or Dropbox are some of the most popular. But there are many more. There are those that have more available space, others are more secure, others have more functions… But through all of them you could end up suffering computer attacks.
fake files
Something basic is that they try to sneak false files. It is as simple as an attacker uploading a virus to the cloud, the platform does not detect it as malware, and it is available for others to download and thus infect a system. It is a method of distributing malicious software of all kinds and is used by cybercriminals.
Especially it can happen through less secure cloud platforms. The most popular ones like Dropbox or Google Drive have a better filter to detect threats of this type before we download malicious files.
Links that lead to fraudulent pages
A cybercriminal can also use the cloud to redirect the victim to fake pages. They may make you believe that it is a link that leads to a secure file or a reliable site, but in reality it is a page that they have created just to scam. Sometimes they even use text files with the links inside.
These fake pages may also contain malware, deceptive advertising or simply collect personal data from the victim. They are sites that may pretend to be official, but are actually a scam.
Phishing logins
Something similar occurs with logins that are actually a Phishing attack. A cybercriminal can send a supposed link to view a file in the cloud via Google Drive or Dropbox. When trying to open that file, it will take you directly to a link for you to log in with your data.
The problem is that the page where you are going to log in is really not real. By putting your data, it is automatically sent to a server controlled by the attacker. It will steal your password and username. It is a classic Phishing attack and they also use it in the cloud.
fake storage space
In this case, it is about fraudulent ads, spam emails that can reach you or even through social networks. They promise a more storage space or an improvement in the plan of a social network. But of course, once again we are facing a scam that cybercriminals have orchestrated.
What they are really looking for is to steal personal data. They look for us to click to get that supposed gift or that improvement to have more storage. Everything is a scam.
In short, as you can see, these are some of the most frequent scams when using the cloud. It is important that you do not make mistakes and avoid using services that may be a fraud. As in everything, the cloud has positive and negative points. But without a doubt, security must always be present.