The FBI has issued an urgent warning about the rising threat of malicious file conversion tools that are being used to spread malware across the United States.
Cybercriminals are targeting users searching for free utilities to convert documents from one format to another, with Word to PDF converters being particularly common vectors for attack.
Many victims remain completely unaware that their systems have been compromised until significant damage has already occurred, such as identity theft or ransomware infections.
These malicious converters present themselves as legitimate utilities, often appearing at the top of search results when users look for free conversion tools online.
Once downloaded or accessed, these tools perform the requested conversion while silently installing malware in the background that can compromise the entire system.
The FBI reports that an incident involving such malicious software was recorded within the Denver Metro area within the past two weeks.
Bitdefender security analysts identified that these malicious file converters typically employ sophisticated techniques to evade detection by standard antivirus solutions.
Their analysis reveals that the malware often establishes persistence through registry modifications and scheduled tasks, creating backdoors that allow cybercriminals to maintain long-term access to infected systems.
The consequences of these infections can be severe, with hackers gaining remote access to victims’ computers and stealing sensitive information including email credentials, passwords, social security numbers, and cryptocurrency wallet details.
Marvin Massey, an assistant special agent at the FBI’s Denver field office, described the scam as “rampant” across the United States, emphasizing the widespread nature of the threat.
According to FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek, “The best way to thwart these fraudsters is to educate people so they don’t fall victim to these fraudsters in the first place.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this scheme, we encourage you to make a report and take actions to protect your assets.”
Protecting Yourself from Malicious Converters
To avoid falling victim to these scams, users should rely on trusted software from verified publishers for file conversions.
Many legitimate office suites include built-in conversion capabilities, eliminating the need for third-party tools.
The FBI’s Denver Field Office is actively collecting reports from potential victims in an effort to shut down malicious sites and identify those responsible for distributing this malware.
Those who believe they’ve encountered such tools are encouraged to contact local FBI offices immediately to assist in the investigation.
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