07 December 2023

Hackers hijack EU websites to steal banking information

According to a report dated January 17, 2022, several EU domain names have been used by criminals to promote free streaming sites. These links are actually traps to steal banking information. Indeed, when a user types in the domain name "europa.eu free movie", links to watch the latest blockbusters will appear, including a PDF file. The domain name of this online PDF is "https://school-education.ec.europa.eu", the page dedicated to education in the EU. The file gives instructions on how to watch recently released films for free, without registering on streaming platforms. After filling in an information page, the site ends up asking for bank details. This social engineering technique could have a significant impact on users who are young or uninformed about computer security and many people could have their bank details stolen in this way in the belief that because the site bears the seal of the European Union it is reliable.