Ahead Of Valentine's, Cybersecurity Expert Highlights Five Online Kencaning Hazards

Five cyber threats during online dating (photo: Kaspersky)

JAKARTA - February 14 is celebrated as Valentine's Day or also called Valentine's Day. For many people, that day inspired them to look for someone special.

In fact, it is not uncommon for those who seek a partner through online dating applications such as Tinder, Bumble, and so on. However, because the popularity of online dating continues to increase, the threat from cybercriminals who want to exploit vulnerable individuals is also increasing.

As a cybersecurity company, Kaspersky highlighted the top five online dating dangers that everyone should watch out for on Valentine's Day tomorrow.

Phishing various dating source platforms

Kaspersky researchers reported a scamming activity in the middle of Valentine's season, where online scammers created fake web pages similar to popular dating apps to trick their users, to provide their sensitive data.

In the end, the perpetrator will steal the identity of the victim, deceive finances, and even blackmail the victim. In addition, stolen data can even be sold on the dark web market.

Counterfeit application

Over the past few months, Kaspersky experts have seen cybercriminals exploit the names of the most popular dating apps such as Tinder, Badoo, Bumble, Grinder, and many others to spread malicious activity, by distributing adware, which bombards users with multiple notifications, as well as Trojan Spies, which monitors online activity.

Doxing

Doxing refers to the act of disclosing and sharing someone's personal information publicly. This needs special attention in the context of online dating, where sensitive information can be used to hurt or extort such individuals, which results in physical harm, as well as psychological pressure. In the worst case scenario, this can put you and your partner at risk of physical injury.

Catfishing

Talking to strangers is not always beautiful. Kaspersky's telemetry records many spam emails that use attractive profiles and false identities to lure victims into providing personal information or being involved in online communications. This email can spread malware, steal sensitive information, or deceive victims for some money.

Stalkerware

Stalkerware is a type of software that can be installed secretly on devices to monitor user's online activities and track its location. According to Kaspersky data, as many as 29,312 people worldwide are affected by stalkerware by 2022.

This privacy breach can cause damage to trust in relationships and emotional pressure for victims. In extreme cases, it can even endanger the physical safety of victims.