Images are one of the most shared file formats over the internet, to be precise, according to research 3.2 billion photos are shared daily through various social media platforms. So it makes sense for hackers to hide spyware inside a picture because that will increase their chances of hacking someone’s device.
But can GIF actually have malware, or is it just a cybersecurity myth? Keep reading the article to find out if GIFs can have spyware or not.
Table Of Contents
- Quick Summary
- Can GIF Have Spyware, Malware, Or Viruses?
- Why Do Hackers Use Images To Spread Malware?
- What Are Different Techniques Of Adding Malware To GIFs?
- How To Detect Malware Or Viruses In GIF?
- Final Verdict
- FAQs
Quick Summary
People love sharing GIFs online and therefore hackers may choose them as a tool to infect users’ devices. To protect yourself from malware hiding inside images: use good antivirus software, be careful where you get GIFs from, and stay informed about online risks.
Can GIF Have Spyware, Malware, or Viruses?
Yes, GIFs can potentially contain viruses, malware, or spyware just like other image formats such as JPEG and PNG. So you get the answer that GIFs do have viruses, but how you do detect malware in images, how do you remove it? Just keep on reading to find the answer.
Why Do Hackers Use Images To Spread Malware?
Hackers use photos to spread malware because people often share and download images online on a daily basis making it a common and less suspicious malware-spreading method. Moreover, if the software used to view these images has security vulnerabilities then hackers can exploit them to secretly deliver malicious code to a victim’s system.
Overall, by using images to spread the malware hackers can bypass security checks which gives them a better chance to infect and control devices.
What Are Different Techniques Of Adding Malware To GIFs?
1. Least Significant Bit Substitution
The most common method hackers use for adding malware to GIFs is called the Least Significant Bit Substitution method. In this method, the least significant bits of each pixel are replaced with malicious data. These changed bits have little impact on the image’s overall appearance which means it doesn’t significantly alter the visual aspect of the image making it inconspicuous.
2. Spread-Spectrum Techniques
Another approach used by hackers to insert malware or viruses into GIFs is called the Spread-Spectrum Technique. In this method, they spread secret data across the whole image to make it less noticeable. The encoded data in the image can then be extracted through a specific decoding process which depends on the vulnerabilities in the image-processing software. In this case, the malware remains hidden all the time.
3. Using Online Tool
There are some online tools that allow you to add a tracking link to a photo and send it to the target person as an SMS using their phone number. One such tool that I have used is GEOfinder.
To use GEOfinder, you have to upload an image or GIF to the tool and then enter the phone number of the target person. It will then send an SMS which contains the GIF with a malicious tracking code to the target person through a system-generated number.
Now, as soon as the target person clicks on the image to view it, their location gets tracked and the attacker gets to see the exact location of the victim remotely.
How To Detect Malware Or Viruses In GIFs?
Detecting viruses in an image typically involves identifying and analyzing malicious code or behavior within the file. Here are some steps you can take to detect viruses in GIF files.
1. Use Antivirus Software
The easiest way to detect viruses/malware/spyware in GIF files is by using antivirus software. Modern antivirus programs like Avast, AVG, etc. can scan various file types, including GIFs to detect malware. You must keep your antivirus software up to date and perform regular scans on your computer to find malware-infected images.
2. Check GIF Source
Verify the source of the GIF file i.e. check where you have downloaded it from. Make sure the file comes from a trusted source.
3. Examine File Metadata
You can also check the file’s metadata for any suspicious information. Some GIFs may have malicious payloads hidden in their metadata, such as in the comments or additional text. Use an online tool or a text editor like these to view the metadata.
4. Review the File Extension
Ensure that the file actually has a “.gif” extension. Sometimes, hackers may disguise harmful files with innocent-sounding extensions. For example, a “.gif.exe” file might appear as a GIF but is, in fact, an executable file that spreads malware on your device.
Final Verdict
It’s important to know that GIFs can indeed carry hidden malware or viruses. Hackers use images because they’re commonly shared and often go unnoticed. They can sneak malicious code into GIFs using different hacking techniques such as least significant bit substitution, spread-spectrum technique, and online tools such as GEOfinder. To stay safe online from compromised GIFs you can make use of updated antivirus software. Also, you must download GIFs from trusted sources, and check their hidden information.
FAQs
Is It Safe To Open GIFs?
GIFs can carry malware so you must always use trusted sources to download them and scan them with antivirus software before opening them.
How Do Hackers Hide Malware In GIFs?
Hackers use techniques like LSB substitution, hiding malicious code in seemingly harmless images.
Can You Delete An Image With Hidden Malware?
Yes, you can delete a compromised image easily.
