Beware of FIN7’s Deepfake Nude Scam: How AI is Being Used to Spread Malware

Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, and the notorious FIN7 cybercrime group is proving to be at the forefront of these advancements. In a new and aggressive campaign, FIN7 is combining artificial intelligence (AI) with social engineering, using adult-themed lures to trick individuals into installing malware. This latest scam dangles the promise of AI-generated fake nudes—tools that claim to “nudify” online photos using deepfake technology. However, what unsuspecting users end up downloading is not the promised tool but instead malicious software designed to steal information or install ransomware.

The Bait: DeepNude AI and AI Nude Generators

The powerful Russian financial cybercrime group FIN7 has created at least seven websites that promote a “DeepNude Generator,” a tool that falsely promises to turn any image into a nude representation of the person in the photo. Posing as a free nude AI tool, these websites offer either a downloadable “generator” or a “free trial” that, in reality, deliver malicious payloads instead of a working application.

Once a victim downloads the so-called “DeepNude AI” tool, they unknowingly install infostealing malware such as Lumma or Redline. These malicious programs not only steal sensitive information like login credentials but can also serve as a gateway for more harmful malware like ransomware. According to cybersecurity researchers at Silent Push, these campaigns are sophisticated, using psychological manipulation and modern AI technology to lure people in.

Why This Campaign is Dangerous for Organizations

The provocative lure of a deepfake nude generator doesn’t just threaten individual users; organizations are also at risk. Employees may be tempted by the promise of a tool that creates AI nudes or fake nude photos, unknowingly putting their companies at risk when they download infected files. Once malware infiltrates a corporate network, it can steal sensitive data or pave the way for larger, more devastating cyberattacks.

This campaign highlights FIN7’s strategic thinking and adaptability. The group has created several versions of their deepfake nude generator scam, including different user flows to make the websites appear more legitimate. One version offers a “free download” link, while another entices users to upload a photo for a “free trial” of the tool. Both methods ultimately lead to malicious downloads that compromise the user’s system.

FIN7’s Use of SEO and Malvertising

FIN7 is employing advanced techniques like search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure their fraudulent deepnude AI sites rank higher in search results, making them more visible to potential victims. Their sites even feature footer links to “Best Porn Sites,” redirecting users to other malicious websites promoting similar fake nude lures. These tactics not only help keep victims engaged but also widen the reach of their malware campaign.

In addition to the fake nude generator campaign, FIN7 continues to push its longstanding malvertising campaign, which targets corporate users. By masquerading as legitimate content from popular brands such as SAP Concur, Microsoft, and Thomson Reuters, FIN7 tricks users into downloading fake browser extensions that are, in reality, malware like NetSupport RAT and .MSIX.

Evolving Threats: FIN7’s Adaptability

FIN7 has been active since 2012, and despite law enforcement efforts to shut them down, they continue to evolve their tactics. Their ability to adapt to modern technology and psychological manipulation is evident in the sophisticated AI undress campaigns they run today. By blending malware with social engineering, FIN7 has been able to pull off successful attacks that have resulted in over $1.2 billion in financial gains.

The deepnude AI generator scam is just the latest in their arsenal of tricks, demonstrating that FIN7 is more dangerous than ever. The group’s commitment to innovation is clear from the effort they put into developing dedicated websites, user flows, and SEO strategies to make their scams convincing and far-reaching.

How to Defend Against FIN7 and Similar Threats

To protect against these evolving cyber threats, organizations must be proactive. One of the key defenses against groups like FIN7 is developing strong indicators of attack based on their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Training employees to recognize social engineering tactics and resist the temptation to download suspicious files—especially those promoting free nude AI tools like a deepfake nude generator—can also help safeguard corporate networks.

Moreover, organizations should block downloads from unknown or unauthorized sources and regularly update their cybersecurity protocols to reflect the ever-changing threat landscape. By staying vigilant, companies can reduce their risk of falling victim to sophisticated cybercrime campaigns like those orchestrated by FIN7.

Conclusion

FIN7’s use of deepfake nude lures is a stark reminder of how dangerous and adaptive modern cybercrime can be. By promising users access to AI nude generators, fake nudes, and tools that claim to “undress” people in photos, FIN7 is able to fool individuals into downloading malware that can compromise entire networks. Organizations must take these threats seriously and implement robust security measures to protect against them. The key to staying safe is staying informed, aware, and always one step ahead of the attackers.