This TikTok Thirst Trap Tricks People Into Downloading Malware
TikTok’s latest trend is the “invisible body” challenge, in which users post seemingly nude videos in which they are hidden by filters. Unsurprisingly, some users are wondering if there are ways to remove filters from said videos to show the nudity of those who uploaded them, and they download third-party software to do so.
I hate being the bearer of bad news, but there is no way to “filter” the uploaded TikTok video. However, trying to do so is a great way to become a victim yourself, as opportunistic hackers have picked up on the trend and are spreading a fake app called “TikTok unfilter” that claims to decode the invisible body filter. Actually, it just infects your devices with malware.
The literal thirst trap
Scammers advertise a fake app in TikTok videos that link to a Discord server called “Space unfilter”. The server will then redirect you to the GitHub download page. To look legitimate, the hackers cloned the real GitHub project but modified it to install the “WASP Stealer” malware.
WASP Stealer is a particularly dangerous strain of malware. Once installed on your device, it can copy financial information from browsers, steal Discord login credentials, and even steal cryptocurrencies or files stored locally. Bleeping Computer has full details on how malware works , if you’re interested in the gory details.
According to a report from cybersecurity firm Checkmarx, TikTok blocked at least two profiles promoting the Space Unfiltered Discord server, but not before both had over a million views. At one point, the Discord server had at least 32,000 users, and the TikTok Unfilter repository had enough downloads to make it to the list of popular GitHub projects. The server also went down, but most likely the hackers just created a new community and it’s still active.
Too good to be true
Despite the real threat this malware poses to TikTok users, it’s easy to avoid: just don’t click on links promising to reveal someone’s “naked” video, which is impossible anyway – TikTok only records one version of the video, and if the filter applied, it cannot be removed. There is no hidden “nudity data” that the app can reveal, even if the person was actually completely naked when they filmed it. Think about it: it would be a legal nightmare for TikTok if that were possible. I guess you’ll have to use your imagination instead or try one of the many much safer and legal ways to find nudity online.
However, if you have already downloaded the filter remover app, you have probably downloaded malware. Use a trusted anti-malware app to delete files, update your passwords everywhere, and monitor your Discord profile, bank accounts, and credit report for weird activity.
[ beeping computer ]