Changing a .pdf to a .docx and again once more could seem to be a fast and simple factor you are able to do on-line totally free—however that does not imply it is secure. A new discover from the FBI Denver Discipline Workplace warns that some on-line doc converters are additionally loading malware onto unsuspecting customers’ computer systems, giving unhealthy actors entry to your system and your knowledge.
The instruments can also scrape information submitted for conversion for delicate data, corresponding to Social Safety numbers, birthdates, e-mail addresses, passwords or tokens to bypass multi-factor authentication, banking data, and cryptocurrency seed phrases and pockets addresses.
The way to spot malicious file converters
This scheme could also be simple to overlook, because the malicious file converters will do what they promote, corresponding to changing a .docx to a .pdf or becoming a member of a number of information into one. Nevertheless, the file you obtain could comprise hidden ransomware, adware, or riskware that exposes your laptop to attackers. You might also be prompted to obtain a conversion device (that’s truly malware) to your system or set up a malicious browser extension.
In accordance with a Malwarebytes Labs report on the rip-off, the next domains have been discovered to comprise malware:
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Imageconvertors[.]com (Phishing)
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convertitoremp3[.]it (Riskware)
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convertisseurs-pdf[.]com (Riskware)
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convertscloud[.]com (Phishing)
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convertix-api[.]xyz (Trojan)
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convertallfiles[.]com (Adware)
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freejpgtopdfconverter[.]com (Riskware)
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primeconvertapp[.]com (Riskware)
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9convert[.]com (Riskware)
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Convertpro[.]org (Riskware)
Whereas these are recognized scams, that does not imply there aren’t different free, malware-containing file converters on the market ready to contaminate your system. The very best factor you are able to do is keep away from these instruments totally and make the most of trusted software program as an alternative. However in the event you suspect you have been uncovered, begin by taking primary steps to safe your id, together with altering passwords utilizing a clear, trusted system, and operating an anti-malware program to catch any threats.
The way to convert information safely
When you might want to shortly convert from one doc sort to a different, it’s possible you’ll be tempted to google “free file converter” and click on on no matter comes up—however do not.
As an alternative, begin with the software program or purposes you might have that may open the file, and test in the event you can export or reserve it in a unique format (look underneath File > Export or File > Save As). Microsoft Workplace and plenty of PDF editors have this performance, or you need to use Adobe’s free instruments to transform to and from a PDF, in addition to a handful of different doc converters out there totally free.
Do not forget that once you convert information, it’s possible you’ll lose some formatting within the course of.
