Cybercriminals Exploit Pope’s Death to Launch Scams and Spread Malware
Following the death of Pope Francis, cybercriminals quickly seized on the moment, launching scams and malware campaigns to exploit public emotion and confusion. This tactic, dubbed “cyber threat opportunism” by Check Point Research, mirrors patterns seen during global events like the COVID-19 pandemic or Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Using disinformation, fake news, and AI-generated content, attackers flooded social media with conspiracy theories and sensational claims. Many posts included malicious links leading to phishing sites or malware-laced pages designed to steal personal and financial information.
Tactics included:
- Fake news links directing users to scam pages (e.g., bogus gift cards).
- Malicious scripts silently harvesting device and location data.
- SEO poisoning, pushing harmful sites to the top of search results.
These campaigns often go undetected by traditional security tools, as attackers use new or dormant domains to avoid detection.
How to stay safe:
- Regularly update your OS and browser.
- Use reputable browser security tools.
- Cross-check headlines with trusted sources.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links—especially on social media.
- Use tools like VirusTotal to scan links and files.
- Invest in a full security suite with phishing and threat protection.
As global events unfold, remain cautious—because curiosity can be a cybercriminal’s best weapon.
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