Watch out for fake Windows 11 downloads that spread malware - Windows Central

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central

Threat actors took advantage of people looking to upgrade to Windows 11^[1] earlier this year. Microsoft's new operating system entered its last phase of availability^[2] on January 26, 2022. Attackers quickly jumped to action, initiating a malware campaign the next day that utilized a fake website impersonating a page to download Windows 11.

HP outlines its discovery of the attack on its Threat Research Blog^[3]. HP's team noticed that a malicious actor registered the "windows-upgraded[.]com" domain on January 27, 2022. The page had been designed to appear like an official Microsoft website to download Windows 11. Instead, it directed people to a link that downloaded RedLine Stealer, which is a type of malware that steals information.

The Threat Research Blog post breaks down the malware campaign in more technical detail. The key takeaway is that malicious actors hopped on a trending news story to try to take advantage of everyday PC users. Since Microsoft had just entered the final phase of rolling out Windows 11, many people were looking for a way to update.

Fake Windows 11 download page.Source: HP

The fake website was rather convincing. It uses Microsoft's iconography and general site layout.

If you need help getting Microsoft's newest OS, you can follow our guide on how to upgrade to Windows 11^[4].

A similar campaign was discovered in December 2021. That attack used fake versions of Discord's website and sites from other popular messaging services. That campaign also distributed RedLine Stealer.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more^[5].

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References

1. ^{^} Windows 11 (www.windowscentral.com)
2. ^{^} last phase of availability (www.windowscentral.com)
3. ^{^} Threat Research Blog (threatresearch.ext.hp.com)
4. ^{^} how to upgrade to Windows 11 (www.windowscentral.com)
5. ^{^} Learn more (www.futureplc.com)
6. ^{^} Minecraft Preview can now be downloaded and played on Windows (www.windowscentral.com)
7. ^{^} Microsoft will bring Call of Duty to PlayStation in the future (www.windowscentral.com)
8. ^{^} How I lost 100 pounds with this simple Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (www.windowscentral.com)
9. ^{^} These apps help you customize the look of Windows 11 (www.windowscentral.com)