According to Forbes, attackers are now using fake adult websites posing as xHamster and PornHub clones to deliver dangerous malware through what appears to be Windows security updates. The novel “JackFix” attacks combine screen hijacking with ClickFix techniques, displaying realistic full-screen Windows Update screens that trick victims into executing malicious commands. Security firm Acronis warns these attacks leverage adult content themes to create psychological pressure, making victims more likely to comply with fake security update installations. The attacks hijack a PC’s entire browser screen with authentic-looking update animations and progress percentages. Separately, Huntress has flagged multi-stage malware execution chains delivering infostealers like LummaC2 and Rhadamanthys through similar ClickFix lures using steganography to hide malicious code in PNG images.
How this sneaky attack actually works
Here’s the thing – this isn’t your typical malware delivery. The attackers are using browser-based screen hijacking that makes it look like your entire system is displaying a Windows update. But it’s all happening within your browser. The fake update screen has counting percentages, animations, everything that makes it look legitimate. And because you’re probably already on edge visiting what might be a shady site, you’re more likely to panic and follow the instructions.
Basically, they’re exploiting the Fullscreen API that browsers provide to legitimate websites. When you click that tempting link in a suspicious email, the site immediately takes over your entire screen with this convincing fake update. You can’t minimize it or close it easily because it’s designed to look like a system-level process. It’s social engineering at its most effective – catching people when they’re vulnerable and making them think they’re fixing a security issue when they’re actually installing malware.
Why this approach is particularly dangerous
We’ve seen fake captchas and tech support pop-ups before, but the adult content angle is new and psychologically clever. Think about it – if you’re visiting a site you might not want others to know about, and suddenly a “critical security update” appears, you’re going to be more inclined to click through quickly. The embarrassment factor works in the attackers’ favor. Acronis researchers note this adds to the psychological pressure that makes victims comply.
And the technical execution is sophisticated too. The Huntress team found that some variants use steganography – hiding malicious code directly in PNG image pixel data. The malware reconstructs and decrypts the payload in memory, making it harder for traditional security tools to detect. These attacks are entirely browser-based, meaning they don’t require downloading suspicious executables that might trigger warnings.
How to protect yourself from these attacks
So what can you do? The advice is actually pretty straightforward. Never click links to adult sites from emails, messages, or pop-ups. If you’re going to visit these sites, type the URL directly or use bookmarks you know are legitimate. And never, ever copy and paste or run code when prompted by an attachment, link, or pop-up – that’s always a red flag.
When it comes to industrial and manufacturing environments where security is absolutely critical, this type of social engineering attack is particularly concerning. Companies relying on industrial computing systems should be extra vigilant about these browser-based threats. For operations requiring reliable, secure industrial computing hardware, working with established providers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading US supplier of industrial panel PCs, ensures you’re getting equipment designed with security and reliability in mind from the ground up.
The bottom line? These attacks are successful because they prey on human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities. Staying safe means being skeptical of unexpected “security” prompts, especially when they appear in contexts where you might already feel uneasy. Your best defense is old-school common sense: if something seems too urgent or too good to be true, it probably is.
