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Beware: Free Online File Converters May Install Malware

Discover the hidden dangers of free online file converters and learn how to protect yourself from malware and data theft.

Posted
By Tom Grant
3 min read
Beware: Free Online File Converters May Install Malware

TL;DR

The FBI Denver Field Office has issued a warning about free online file converters that install malware instead of converting files. These malicious tools can lead to ransomware attacks, data theft, and identity fraud. Users are advised to be cautious and take preventive measures to protect their digital identities.

Alarming Rise in Malicious File Converters

The FBI Denver Field Office has issued a warning about the increasing prevalence of fraudulent websites offering free online file converter services. Instead of providing legitimate file conversion, these tools install malware on victims’ computers. The FBI has highlighted that such malware can lead to ransomware attacks, but other potential threats include browser hijackers, adware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

Common Tactics Used by Cybercriminals

Cybercriminals often lure victims by offering popular file conversion services, such as converting .doc to .pdf files and vice versa, or combining multiple images into a single .pdf file. These converters usually function as expected, leading victims to believe they are safe. However, in the background, malware is hidden within the downloaded files, capable of gathering sensitive information from the affected device:

  • Personal identifying information (PII), including Social Security Numbers (SSN)
  • Financial information, such as banking credentials and crypto wallets
  • Passwords and session tokens, which can bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA)1
  • Email addresses

Potential Scenarios and Threats

Cybercriminals employ various tactics to spread malware through these file converters:

  • Malicious Downloads: Encouraging users to download a tool that contains the actual malware.
  • Browser Extensions: Recommending the installation of browser extensions that act as browser hijackers and adware.
  • Infected Files: In sophisticated scenarios, the converted file itself contains malware code that downloads and installs information-stealing software, infecting any device that opens it.

Using these online converters can put users at risk of ransomware attacks, data theft, or identity fraud.

Education and Prevention

FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek emphasized the importance of education in preventing these scams:

“The best way to thwart these fraudsters is to educate people so they don’t fall victim to these fraudsters in the first place.” 2

In addition to education, having active anti-malware protection and a browser extension that blocks malicious sites can provide an extra layer of security.

Steps to Take if You Fall Victim

If you suspect you have fallen victim to such a scam, take the following steps immediately:

  • Contact Financial Institutions: Inform your financial institutions and work with them to protect your identity and accounts.
  • Change Passwords: Update all your passwords using a clean, trusted device.
  • Report the Incident: File a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)

Below are examples of domains involved in these scams and the reasons why Malwarebytes products block them:

  • Imageconvertors[.]com (Phishing)
  • Convertitoremp3[.]it (Riskware)
  • Convertisseurs-pdf[.]com (Riskware)
  • Convertscloud[.]com (Phishing)
  • Convertix-api[.]xyz (Trojan)
  • Convertallfiles[.]com (Adware)
  • Freejpgtopdfconverter[.]com (Riskware)
  • Primeconvertapp[.]com (Riskware)
  • 9convert[.]com (Riskware)
  • Convertpro[.]org (Riskware)

Protect Your Digital Identity

Cybersecurity risks should never be ignored. Safeguard your personal information with identity protection.

Conclusion

The threat posed by malicious online file converters underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect digital identities. Stay informed, use reliable security tools, and report any suspicious activity to help combat these evolving cyber threats.

Additional Resources

For further insights, check:

References

  1. “Info stealers can steal cookies for permanent access to your Google account”. Malwarebytes Blog. Retrieved 2025-03-17. ↩︎

  2. FBI Denver Warns of Online File Converter Scam”. FBI. Retrieved 2025-03-17. ↩︎

Cybersecurity & Data Protection, Malware
cybersecurity malware threat intelligence
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.