Alarm bells are ringing in the cybersecurity world. A new Threat Predictions Report published by HP issues serious warnings about a new generation of animated cyberattacks targeting computer users. Attackers are no longer just using fake emails; they are now using professionally crafted animated traps to trick users and infect their devices with malware.

How Do Animated Cyberattacks Work?

These new attacks are based on visual tricks designed to gain users’ trust. Cybercriminals use highly convincing animations to lure victims to malicious sites or downloads. For example, a fake Adobe update site tricks the user by showing a real loading bar animation, but in the background, it actually installs a modified version of ScreenConnect, a remote access tool. This method allows attackers to gain complete control over the compromised device.

In another striking example, attackers impersonating the Colombian Attorney General’s office send fake legal notices to targets. Users who click the link in the email are redirected to a fake government website where a cleverly animated “one-time password” is requested. Those who fall for this trap actually download a password-protected archive containing malware called PureRAT.

According to the report, threat actors are exploiting known platforms and readily available tools to make their attacks more effective and harder to detect. Instead of building their own infrastructure, they host their payloads on reputable platforms like Discord. This allows them to more easily evade security scans.

Another method frequently used by cybercriminals is DLL sideloading. With this technique, a malicious DLL file hidden alongside a legitimate application is executed to bypass antivirus software. The malware used is usually subscription-based information thieves like Phantom Stealer, which are sold on hacking marketplaces and are constantly updated. These tools are specifically designed to bypass modern security measures.

So, what are your thoughts on these new generation cyberattacks? Share your opinions with us in the comments!