Advertisements on YouTube are constantly evolving. Recently, security experts discovered a fake iPhone virus warning ad on the platform, claiming that users' devices were infected with 247 types of viruses. The ad continuously recommended downloading cleaning applications, making it easy for users who lack computer security knowledge to fall for the scam.
Renée Burton, the Vice President of Threat Intelligence at Infoblox, expressed her astonishment that such advertisements could actually pass safety checks. This ad isn't your typical pop-up; instead, it employs images similar to TCC prompts to deceive unsuspecting YouTube viewers, luring them into downloading an application that claims to solve problems that don't even exist.
The advertisement even points out that the Your iPhone has been severely damaged by 247 viruses! We have detected that your iPhone is infected with viruses. If you don't take any action, it will damage your SIM card, data, photos, and contacts. type of digital extortion virus typically appears in 280p low quality with jumbled stock images, often found on suspicious websites as malicious ads or junk software.
Even if such ads are considered a minor issue, scareware scams still manage to deceive a large number of users, particularly targeting older adults. Adults aged 65 and above represent the fastest-growing age demographic on YouTube. According to data from Think with Google, the viewing time of YouTube among adults over 55 has more than doubled, with a growth rate that outpaces the overall adult population by 80%.
Real users are also sharing their experiences with this app on social media, proving that these pop-up ads are still somewhat effective. While it’s not surprising to see such deceptive ads appear on social platforms like X, it is definitely concerning to encounter such scareware on one of the world's most visited platforms.
The app itself is operated by an emerging Chinese company, and after some research, it was discovered that its privacy policy is quite weak and vague. It may be developed using large language models (LLM) and ranks only 50th on relevant leaderboards.
Security experts remind users that just because certain applications have been approved and are available in the App Store, it doesn’t guarantee their safety. Apple cannot ensure how developers handle user data behind the scenes, so users must be cautious about which apps they share their photo libraries, contacts, and other information with. If such advertisements appear, users are advised to promptly close the webpage and absolutely avoid clicking or downloading any recommended software. If there are doubts about the device's security, seek assistance through official channels or trusted security companies.
