DETROIT – New evidence has emerged that shows it may now be possible that your computer can become infected by malware simply by viewing PNG images. Researchers have found that the files can contain something called ‘threat actors’ that then deliver malicious payloads, as per Tech Radar.
Reports show that a prevalent cyber threat actor called Worok is active at the moment. So far, it has been mostly targeting high-profile victims like government organisations around the Middle East, Southeast Asia and South Africa.
What are PNG files?
PNG is an image format that launched in 1995. Originally called PING, it went on to be shortened to the name it has today. Adobe describes them:
PNG files are being targeted because they can be altered and used as executable data without affecting the integrity of the image. This also means that they are hard to detect with conventional malware scanning software, as per Hot Hardware.
What it means for you
At this stage the level of the threat is still unknown but currently it is mainly restricted to powershell users – a task automation and configuration management program from Microsoft – which includes PCs with a Windows operating system.
However, it is an indication of how malware is innovating and evolving into something very difficult to detect. Advanced hacking techniques are increasingly sophisticated and pose a threat to everyone. Chuck Everette, director of cybersecurity advocacy at Deep Instinct said, as per SC Media:
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