But just because CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA tests are ubiquitous doesn't mean they're always innocuous. Internet users are accustomed to engaging with CAPTCHA without much thought, so naturally, cybercriminals have found ways to spoof these tests for spreading malware.
As Malwarebytes Labs describes, these CAPTCHA attacks are often initiated when users attempt to access popular content—such as movies, music, or news stories—though malicious links may also be distributed via phishing emails or malvertising. A CAPTCHA pop-up appears asking you to confirm you're not a robot, after which you are forwarded to another CAPTCHA screen with verification steps that include a series of keystrokes. If you follow the instructions, you'll execute a PowerShell script that downloads and installs the malware.
While many ClickFix attacks have targeted Windows users, researchers have recently identified a variation that uses fake CAPTCHA to install Atomic macOS Stealer on Apple devices.
How to prevent a CAPTCHA scam
Be wary of CAPTCHA forms from sources and sites you don't know and trust, and never follow directions in these pop-ups without thinking. Attackers are exploiting "verification fatigue," which has users clicking through something as routine as CAPTCHA so quickly that they don't notice red flags.
Malwarebytes Labs also recommends disabling JavaScript in your browser, which prevents malicious websites from accessing your clipboard. While this is useful for enhancing security and privacy online, it will also break some functions on websites you visit, making them essentially unusable. You could do this only when browsing pages you don't know or trust.
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