Remember just 71 seconds from that first click and your life could be changed for ever

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Timeline to compromise

  • 00:00 – Visit Site – using a Windows 10 machine, open web browser and visit audiovisual piracy site.
  • 00:10 – Find and click title of pirated film to view or download.
  • 00:20 – Popup loads, redirects to another popup.
  • 00:32 – Scam-based website loads in pop-up, requesting user to install plug-in with up to 35% cashback on internet purchases.
  • 00:42 – Select another title to view from the home page.
  • 00:53 – Another pop-up loads, promising cheap leads for advertising networks, for example, Game of Thrones.
  • 01:03 – Return to home page, search for another title.
  • 01:11 – Popup loads, showing a Microsoft Defender screen, scanning PC for viruses. 9 threats are reported. The browser screen is maximised, the user is locked, and a message on the screen instructs the user that their PC has been blocked and that they must call a number to prevent identity theft, and unlock access to the device.

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Have a question? Want to explore collaboration? Whether you’re a policymaker, professional or curious stakeholder — we’d love to hear from you.

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