The Rise of Fake CAPTCHAs: A New Cybersecurity Threat

The Rise of Fake CAPTCHAs: A New Cybersecurity Threat 

Background

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, threat actors continually devise new tactics to deceive users and infiltrate systems. One such tactic that has gained significant traction recently is the use of fake CAPTCHAs. This blog post delves into the details of this emerging threat, highlighting its mechanisms and the implications for cybersecurity.

What is ClickFix?

ClickFix is a relatively new social engineering tactic first observed in May 2024. It involves tricking users into executing malicious code on their hosts by presenting fake CAPTCHA pages. This tactic has been featured in numerous campaigns to distribute various types of malware, including Remote Access Trojans (RATs) and information stealers.

How Does It Work?

The campaign typically begins with a phishing email masquerading as legitimate correspondence from well-known companies, such as Booking.com. The email contains a link that redirects the user to a series of URLs, eventually landing on a fake CAPTCHA page. When users interact with the CAPTCHA, they unknowingly execute malicious JavaScript code that copies commands to their clipboard. These commands are then pasted into the system’s Run command window, leading to the execution of malicious payloads.

Recent Campaigns

Recent campaigns using ClickFix have shown a surge in activity. Threat actors have leveraged this tactic to distribute malware on a large scale, targeting millions of users. The fake CAPTCHA pages are designed to mimic legitimate verification processes, making it difficult for users to distinguish between real and fake CAPTCHAs.

Statistics on CAPTCHA Attacks

The surge in fake CAPTCHA usage is evident in recent statistics. According to cybersecurity experts, the number of fake CAPTCHA attacks almost doubled between October and early December 2024. In January 2025 alone, thousands of users encountered fake CAPTCHA pages daily. This increase highlights the effectiveness of this tactic and the widespread impact it has on users and organisations.

Recommended Steps to Avoid Fake CAPTCHA Scams

To protect yourself from fake CAPTCHA scams, follow these recommended steps:

1.     Stick to Trusted Websites: Only enter personal information on websites you know and trust. Avoid interacting with CAPTCHAs on unfamiliar or suspicious sites.

2.    Verify the URL: Always double-check the URL of a site before completing a CAPTCHA. Look for “https://” and avoid sites with unusual domains

3.    Never Download Files from CAPTCHAs: A legitimate CAPTCHA will never ask you to download software or extensions

4.    Be Wary of Pop-Ups: Avoid clicking on pop-ups that claim urgent action is needed. Close them and navigate away

5.    Keep Your Browser and Security Software Up to Date: Ensure your browser and security software are always up to date to protect against the latest threats

6.    Use Antivirus Software: Keep your devices secure with up-to-date antivirus tools

7.    Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a fake CAPTCHA or malware attempt, report it to your IT department or cybersecurity team

Implications for Cybersecurity

The rise in fake CAPTCHA usage underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Organisations must implement advanced detection and prevention mechanisms to protect against such threats. Users should be educated about the risks associated with phishing emails and fake CAPTCHAs and encouraged to verify the authenticity of CAPTCHA pages before interacting with them.

Conclusion

As threat actors continue to innovate, cybersecurity professionals must stay vigilant and adapt to new tactics. The surge in fake CAPTCHA usage is a reminder of the importance of continuous monitoring and education to safeguard against evolving threats. By understanding and addressing these tactics, we can better protect our systems and data from malicious actors.

We’ve got your back!

At CIS, we specialise in providing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to protect your organisation from emerging threats like fake CAPTCHAs. Our advanced detection and prevention mechanisms, combined with our expert team, ensure that your systems and data remain secure. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help safeguard your organisation against cyber threats.