Listen up, tech-savvy Bay Area fam – the internet just got a whole lot shadier.

Cybercriminals are now weaponizing AI-generated TikTok videos to trick unsuspecting users into downloading malware faster than you can say “free software”. Security researchers from Trend Micro have uncovered a sinister new social engineering campaign that’s basically digital snake oil.

The Scam Playbook

Here’s how these digital grifters are playing their game: They create slick, AI-generated videos promising free versions of Windows, Microsoft Office, or premium features in apps like CapCut and Spotify. The catch? You just need to run a “simple” PowerShell command. Spoiler alert: that command is anything but simple.

The Digital Trojan Horse

By disguising malware injection as standard software activation steps, these scammers are exploiting our collective desperation for free digital goodies. Their weapons of choice? Infostealers like Vidar and StealC, designed to pillage your personal data faster than tech bros gentrifying the Mission.

Protect Yourself

TikTok has deactivated the accounts linked to this campaign, but the internet is a wild west of potential threats. Pro tip: be extremely skeptical of any random command or software link you see online. Your digital life is worth more than a “free” Microsoft Office license.