Security analysts claim that a popular trend on TikTok known as the “Invisible Challenge” is used by hackers to install viruses in several users’ devices and steal their login credentials and bank details.
What Is The TikTok Challenge About?
To complete the “Invisible Challenge” on TikTok, the users have to record a naked video of themselves using a TikTok filter called “Invisible Body.” This filter supposedly blurs the user’s body in the video and replaces it with a hazy contour image.
It has become a very famous trend on TikTok, and the hashtag #invisiblefilter has gained around 25 million views all over the internet.
How Your Credentials Are Being Hacked?
Researchers found that cybercriminals are tricking innocent people by posting videos where it is shown how to remove the filter from nude pictures of TikTokers.
The videos claim that users will be able to see a person’s nude instead of the filtered image through a software called “Unfilter” that they are being asked to download. The software will help in removing TikTok’s body masking filter and reveal the naked bodies of TikTokers.
As soon as they download the software, the “WASP Stealer (Discord Token Grabber)” malware will also be installed on their devices. This particular malware contains a virus that can hack the user’s Discord account, passwords, important files from one’s computer, credit card details saved on the browser, and even cryptocurrency wallets.
Currently suspended TikTok handles @kodibtc and @learncyber were in charge of this hacking operation, where they led the users to a Discord server called “Space Unfilter” and persuaded them to download the malicious software that promised to remove the “Invisible Body” filter so they could see other TikTok users’ naked pictures.
Also Read: Have The Facebook Pages Of Celebrities Been Hacked?
Researchers Warn TikTokers
Tal Folkman and Guy Nachshon, two researchers working at the cybersecurity company ‘Checkmarx,’ warn TikTok users of the dangers of indulging themselves in stupid trends.
Folkman and Nachshon wrote, “The high number of users tempted to join this Discord server and potentially install this malware is concerning.” They added, “The level of manipulation used by software supply chain attackers is increasing as attackers become increasingly clever.”
Chief security awareness counsellor at ‘KnowBe4,’ Javvad Malik, asserted, “Criminals are always looking for ways to trick people into downloading malware. This could be through offers of free gifts, impersonating big brands, fear of loss of an account, curiosity and whichever other emotional strings they can pull.”
He added, “The invisible body filter is designed specifically to elicit an emotional response, which is why it’s a trend at the moment. The criminals know that the lure of potentially being able to reverse the filter would be too great for many to resist, and they are right.
It is why it’s important to take a step back and think before you download any software, particularly where it comes from unknown sources, especially in chat channels such as Discord.”
No matter how fun and interesting they may seem, netizens should think twice before hopping into social media trends.
Let us know your opinion in the comment section below.
Disclaimer: This article is fact-checked
Image Credits: Google Photos
Source: The Times Of India, Forbes & The Register
Find The Blogger: @ekparna_p
This post is tagged under: hack, hacking, hackers, TikTok, TikTokers, TikTok challenge, Invisible Challenge, filter, filters, Invisible Body, nude photography, nudity, naked image, cybercrime, cybersecurity, password, credentials, login details, bank details, bank account, Discord, server, software, malware, virus, hacked, views, viral, video
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
Other Recommendations:
Login Credentials Of Millions Of Users Are At Stake Due To These Scam Apps, Announces Facebook
