It might sound exaggerated, but a large part of our lives revolves around our cell phones: photos, emails, online banking, social media, work, sensitive documents, conversations. That’s why ESET, a leading company in proactive threat detection, is sharing the steps to follow for a quick phone security check. This is extremely important for all users.

“In 10 minutes and with simple actions, you can detect risks, close unnecessary access points, and prevent problems before they occur. This significantly reduces the risk of your entire digital life becoming vulnerable,” explains Mario Micucci, Cybersecurity Researcher at ESET Latin America.

Minute 1–2: Update – The first step is to install available updates for both the operating system and the applications you use. It’s crucial to have the latest version installed because cybercriminals know how to exploit old vulnerabilities or weaknesses to carry out their attacks.

Minute 3: Lock – Activate device locking with a PIN, pattern, or biometric data. Ideally, avoid using common patterns or birthdates, and configure your screen to lock automatically as soon as possible. Physical access remains one of the simplest ways to compromise a device, since an unlocked cell phone allows anyone to access apps, emails, and social networks.

Minute 4: Delete – Review the list of installed applications and delete those you no longer use or recognize. Reducing the number of apps also reduces the entry points for cybercriminals.

Minute 5: Limit – Another important point regarding apps is to control the permissions they request. For example, does a flashlight app really need access to your contacts? You can check this in the “Settings” menu, then go to “Privacy,” and under “Permissions,” limit those you consider unnecessary or suspicious. According to ESET, the danger is clear: the microphone can listen to ambient noise, the camera can record without your knowledge, and location services can constantly track your movements.

Minute 6: Reduce – Decrease your attack surface by turning off Bluetooth when not in use and deleting saved public Wi-Fi networks. Both public Wi-Fi networks and active Bluetooth can be used by cybercriminals to intercept information or attempt unauthorized connections.

Minute 7: Enable – Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) on all possible accounts: email, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Google, Apple ID, etc. This prevents malicious actors from hijacking your account, stealing your networks and contacts, and accessing your banking services.

Minute 8-9: Back Up – It’s advisable to check if you have active backups (on Google Drive or iCloud), confirm when the last backup was performed, and enable automatic backups of photos, contacts, files, and system data if they aren’t already configured. Not all security incidents can be prevented. Backups are what allow you to recover your information, and if you don’t have a recent copy, the impact can be more severe.

Minute 10: Boost – Install a reliable security solution that provides protection against phishing sites and malicious apps, and detects malware in real time. Not all threats are visible: in fact, as users, we often don’t detect malicious links, dangerous apps, or suspicious behavior in time, and a security solution adds constant monitoring, reducing the margin for human error. ESET solutions, for example, include protection for online banking and payments, blocking of sensitive applications, and anti-theft tools to locate or lock your device in case of loss or theft.

“Cybersecurity isn’t about magic solutions, but about small habits that can make a big difference. This 10-minute security check is a step toward a better-protected device. Since most digital incidents occur due to minor oversights or carelessness (installing an unofficial app, not updating systems, a weak password), a good goal is to make this quick and concise check a daily habit. And thus, enjoy your digital life more safely,” concludes Micucci from ESET.

ESET invites you to learn more about cybersecurity by visiting: https://www.welivesecurity.com/es/

For other useful preventative information, also available in Venezuela:  https://www.eset.com/ve/, and on their social media channels @eset_ve. Also on Instagram (@esetla)  and Facebook (ESET).

Information provided by ESET and Comstat Rowland

Image source: Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash

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La entrada Perform a quick security check on your phone in 10 minutes apareció primero en Bitfinance.

Mass-appeal events have become prime targets for global cybercrime. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, the cybersecurity company ESET Venezuela organized a specialized online event to analyze the main digital threats facing fans.

 During the session, experts shared and explained that collective enthusiasm and the urgency to obtain tickets or exclusive promotions often cloud users’ judgment. This psychological factor is exploited by attackers to carry out large-scale financial scams and identity theft.

 Most common frauds in online football

The technical presentation detailed that the most common types of fraud operate through:

Cloning websites dedicated to selling tickets.

Deceptive offers of travel packages and accommodations.

Furthermore, ESET analysts examined for participants how cybercriminals use social media, instant messaging applications, and fake websites. Using advanced social engineering techniques, attackers impersonate official sponsors to trick victims into downloading malicious applications, compromising their mobile devices and exposing their banking information.

Key digital security tips for the World Cup season

To mitigate this vulnerability, the ESET Venezuela team shared practical recommendations for maintaining safe browsing during the global event:

• Verify the authenticity of all links received.
• Avoid entering credentials or financial data on unofficial platforms.
• Be wary of raffles or prizes of dubious origin.

In this way, the company reaffirmed the need to adopt a digital security approach to fully enjoy the biggest football event without putting technological, personal, or corporate assets at risk.

To learn more about cybersecurity, visit the ESET website:  https://www.eset.com/ve/. You can also follow them on social media: Instagram @esetla) and Facebook (ESET).

Information and image courtesy of ESET and Comstat Rowland Strategic Communications

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La entrada Experts analyze cyber scams related to the 2026 World Cup: Beware of a digital own goal apareció primero en Bitfinance.

The technological talent gap and the increase in digital threats are shaping the current pace of academic training. With this context in mind, ESET launched its University Tour at Monteávila University (UMA) and Andrés Bello Catholic University (UCAB). This series of free educational seminars on cybersecurity, taught by ESET Latin America specialists, is aimed at university students across Latin America.

The academic event featured David González, Security Researcher at ESET Latin America (Mexico), who explained the pillars of digital defense. “Within cybersecurity, we are guided by the information security triad: confidentiality (access only to authorized users), integrity (data not altered without permission), and availability (services accessible 24/7),” he explained.

Between the Red Team and the Blue Team

During the sessions, González issued a warning about the current job market: “There is a significant talent shortage. It is estimated that the lack of technical and operational cybersecurity professionals is between 4 and 5 million people globally.”

Given this reality, the specialist encouraged students to pursue specialization in areas such as databases, programming, and operating systems with a focus on security. He also highlighted that between 74 % and 80 % of experts are already focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to train advanced threat detection models.

When detailing the dynamics between the Red Team (attack) and the Blue Team (defense), González emphasized the complexity of digital protection. “Defending is more difficult, since a cybercriminal only needs to find a single vulnerability or human error to compromise the entire strategy,” he noted. He also outlined entry-level roles in the job market—such as SOC analyst (anomaly monitoring), technical profiles (penetration testing), and managerial roles—and recommended fluency in English and obtaining certifications to diversify career paths.

Cultivating a culture of prevention from the ground up

For his part, José Luis Rangel, Commercial Manager of ESET Venezuela, emphasized the strategic importance of these talks for future professionals: “Our mission is to cultivate a culture of proactive prevention within academia,” he stated.

Likewise, Rangel highlighted the role that students will play in the short term: “These young people will lead the infrastructure of tomorrow. Alerting them to the reality of cyber threats and showing them the opportunities in this market is key to mitigating risks in the country.”

Hackathon 48–2026

As part of its commitment to innovation and young talent, ESET Venezuela complemented its training programs by participating as an official sponsor of the recent Hackathon 48–2026, a 48-hour event where entrepreneurs, developers, and designers come together to transform ideas into functional prototypes. This fosters innovation and collaboration, supporting the development of secure technological solutions in record time.

For more information on cybersecurity, visit the ESET website: https://www.eset.com/ve/. You can also follow them on social media: Instagram (@esetla) and Facebook (ESET).

With information and reference images provided by ESET and omstat Rowland, as well as archived images

Main reference image: Poddar Group of Institutions on Unsplash

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La entrada ESET visits Caracas universities and warns of a shortage of 5 million cybersecurity experts apareció primero en Bitfinance.

ESET, the leading company in proactive threat detection, announced a €40 million investment in the future of AI-driven cybersecurity, as the company warns of a rapidly emerging new attack surface fueled by autonomous, agency-enabled AI systems.

The commitment — announced by ESET CEO Richard Marko at ESET World 2026 — comes in response to a shift ESET has observed in its own data. Since March 2026, ESET technologies have analyzed nearly 800,000 unique AI skills (modular components that instruct AI agents on how to perform tasks, use tools, access services, and interact with external systems). Approximately 25,000 of these skills were classified as suspicious, and more than 3,000 were blocked for being malicious.

This total represents a 13-fold increase compared to the approximately 60,000 publicly available skills observed earlier this year. According to ESET’s research team, AI skills are part of a rapidly growing layer in the software supply chain, often connecting sensitive systems to external repositories, plugins, datasets, and third-party services.

“Cybersecurity is entering a completely new era,” said Richard Marko, CEO of ESET. “Artificial intelligence is no longer just a defensive tool. It is becoming part of the attack surface itself. Our investment is focused on ensuring that AI strengthens cybersecurity rather than weakening it, and on developing technologies capable of protecting organizations in a world of autonomous AI.”

The initiative aims to strengthen ESET’s technological independence and European sovereignty in cybersecurity at a time when access to advanced artificial intelligence systems is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a small number of global technology companies. “We believe that the future of cybersecurity cannot depend entirely on models controlled by large technology companies,” added Marko.

“In cybersecurity, sovereignty matters”

Backed by a three-year recruitment plan that will grow ESET’s R&D team to 1,000 dedicated research and engineering professionals, the €40 million investment will focus on three strategic areas:

• Independent, security-priority core AI models
• A comprehensive, layered AI security architecture
• The next-generation AI SOC

“ESET has long been at the forefront of applying AI to cybersecurity,” said Juraj Jánošík, Vice President of Artificial Intelligence at ESET. “What is changing now is the role that AI plays.” AI tools are becoming part of everyday work, autonomous systems are expanding the attack surface, and security teams need faster ways to respond to threats. This investment allows us to work across the spectrum: protecting the use of AI, building AI models for cybersecurity, and incorporating autonomous capabilities into security operations under human supervision.”

Standard, security-priority AI models

ESET will accelerate the development of its own security-centric AI models, designed specifically for cybersecurity applications. Unlike general-purpose AI systems trained on broad internet content, ESET’s models will be optimized using cybersecurity telemetry and real-world threat intelligence gathered over ESET’s nearly 35-year history.

The company will continue to expand its existing AI-powered technologies (such as ESET LiveGrid, ESET LiveCortex, and ESET LiveGuard) while exploring emerging AI concepts, including “World Models” capable of understanding behavior, context, and intent within digital environments.

Design, development, and implementation of a comprehensive, layered AI security architecture

As AI becomes more integrated into everyday business operations, ESET is developing a comprehensive, AI-native security architecture designed to protect organizations against emerging AI-driven risks and threats. The investment will include the development of ESET Secure AI Relay, a secure intermediary layer between users, AI agents, business applications, and AI models.

The leading cybersecurity company will also develop network-level safeguards and protections for communication between AI agents. ESET AI Skills Checker (a free tool launched at the RSAC 2026 conference), along with its enhanced versions integrated into ESET products, was specifically designed for this emerging ecosystem of agent-based AI systems.

Building the Next Generation AI SOC

A new generation of AI-powered Security Operations Center (SOC) technologies will be designed to address the increasing scale and complexity of modern detection and response environments. Instead of simply replacing analysts with AI agents, ESET aims to fundamentally rethink how cybersecurity telemetry is processed, correlated, and understood. The company’s vision is to make advanced AI-powered cybersecurity accessible not only to large enterprises but also to small and medium-sized organizations through supervised and highly automated protection technologies.

“Cybersecurity cannot grow simply by adding more alerts, more dashboards, and more complexity,” added Marko. “The industry needs to take another major leap forward. We believe that artificial intelligence should help make world-class cybersecurity simple and accessible to everyone.”

To learn more about ESET solutions, visit: https://www.eset.com/latam/empresas/protect-platform/ and/or simply https://www.eset.com/latam/

ESET invites you to delve deeper into cybersecurity by visiting: https://www.welivesecurity.com/es/.

For useful preventative information and details on services and products, visit https://www.eset.com/ve/ and their social media channels @eset_ve. You can also find them on Instagram (@esetla) and Facebook (ESET).

Information and images courtesy of ESET and Comstat Rowland Strategic Communications

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La entrada ESET to invest €40 million in AI to counter the rise of sophisticated attacks apareció primero en Bitfinance.

The radical transformation of digital crime has forced corporations to abandon static security schemes. In response to this situation, the fifteenth edition of ESET Security Day, one of the most significant annual technology events held in the Venezuelan capital, took place to showcase the new cybersecurity paradigm, where attacks have ceased to be isolated incidents and have become automated operations enhanced by Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.

Michele Flammia, General Manager of ESET Venezuela, highlighted the value of these informative forums for protecting the region’s business ecosystem. During the event, the brand’s specialists demonstrated, through a live simulation, how modern groups operate and how technologies such as XDR (Extended Detection and Response) and threat intelligence allow for action before the impact materializes.

Innovation in response and strategic advantages

Camila Oliveira, Channel Manager of ESET LATAM (currently based in the regional office in Argentina), addressed cybersecurity as a competitive advantage, inspired by Stephen Covey’s bestseller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. During his presentation, he detailed the capabilities of the continuous training programs (AARNES) and the value of the managed detection service:

“We want companies to understand that technology and cybersecurity are not an expense, but an investment. ESET’s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service has the shortest detection time on the market. Competitors use this technology differently, as they don’t offer 24/7 support and their response times are longer,” Oliveira emphasized.

The democratization of attacks through Artificial Intelligence

David González, Security Researcher at ESET Mexico, delivered a keynote address on the impact of generative AI models since the arrival of ChatGPT, a platform that has already reached 400 million users. The expert warned that this widespread adoption has led to a dangerous reduction in the technical barrier for criminals:

“In the cybercriminal world, we are witnessing a democratization of capabilities. It is no longer necessary to possess advanced technical knowledge to carry out an attack; AI allows for the generation of malicious code or the compromise of organizations in a matter of minutes. Time is working against the defenders,” González warned. Given this, he urged organizations to adopt the Diamond Model to dynamically analyze four key aspects of the adversary: ​​infrastructure, capabilities (such as zero-day exploits), victims, and the attacker’s motivations.

An unprotected market against autonomous attacks

For his part, José Luis Rangel, Commercial Manager of  ESET Venezuela warned about the growing interest of digital criminal organizations in targeting critical sectors such as healthcare, energy, and telecommunications using autonomous AI agents. Rangel posed a direct question to the companies and attendees: “What are you doing? It is important that we consider what the organization is doing to prepare before an attack occurs.”

Finally, Carlos López, Pre-Sales Manager at ESET Venezuela, provided critical metrics on corporate neglect in the face of technological evolution over the last 15 years. He explained that between 35 % and 37 % of companies lack basic defenses, and only 41 % have proactive detection and response capabilities.

In addition, 39 % of firms do not have a defined policy for the use of artificial intelligence, which facilitates data breaches. The regional situation reflects that one in four organizations in Latin America does not implement basic security measures, 51 % report having suffered incidents, and it is estimated that an attack occurs every 39 seconds globally.

The speakers emphasized that companies can no longer rely on reactive solutions, which compels corporate leaders to become directly involved in cyber defense and adopt advanced visibility tools to neutralize threats before suffering irreversible financial impacts.

For more information, visit the ESET website: https://www.eset.com/ve/. You can also follow them on social media: Instagram (@esetla) and Facebook (ESET).

Thanks to on-site coverage, more information from ESET and Comstat Rowland Comunicaciones Estratégicas Integrales.

Audiovisual production: Jesús Ramírez

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La entrada ESET Security Day Venezuela: Experts reveal that one-third of companies lack basic protection apareció primero en Bitfinance.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has ceased to be an exclusive tool of innovation and has become the new engine of cyberattacks. Currently, criminals are accelerating data extraction through advanced machine learning models, turning cybercrime or fraud into a systematic process that no longer depends on chance. Faced with this reality, citizens must evolve from spectators to protected users.

Carlos López, support and training manager at ESET Venezuela, warns that the human factor remains the most critical point. “Of every ten news stories circulating, eight are fake. We must remain vigilant and constantly investigate, as the foundation of every cyberattack is social engineering.”

The value of “corporate gold”

Although technology changes, the attack vector remains: “They seek to manipulate the user into participating in their game,” López points out. Phishing through emails, links, and messages with tempting offers continues to be the primary method for capturing personal data through a single mistaken click.

In the corporate environment, global interconnectedness demands a strategic vision. López emphasizes that the landscape has definitively changed with the post-pandemic virtual acceleration. “Organizations must prioritize cybersecurity when managing payroll, cloud services, and vendors. Once the damage occurs, it is irreversible,” the ESET representative asserted.

Legislative challenges and critical digital prevention measures

“In Venezuela, it is imperative to move towards data protection legislation. If you contract a service, the company must be responsible for the integrity of that information, which represents the company’s most valuable asset. The theft of IT assets not only fuels cybercrime but can also benefit larger-scale criminal organizations.”

To avoid becoming a victim of scams, the recommendation is to always be skeptical and implement technological controls. Protecting devices and using two-factor authentication are fundamental measures, since compromising initial access is always the attacker’s primary objective.

News update / ESET Security Day Caracas 2026

This Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 2:00 pm, at the JW Marriott Hotel, the “ESET Security Day” will take place in Venezuela (Caracas); a series of information security events for the corporate public that ESET carries out throughout Latin America and globally, celebrating 15 years of this specific and valuable international initiative.

This year’s event will focus on the theme: “Unveiling the Attack: The Evolution of Threats and the New Cybersecurity Paradigm.” The event will feature prominent speakers David González, Security Researcher at ESET Latin America, and Camila Oliveira, Channel Manager at ESET Latin America, as well as specialists and representatives from ESET Venezuela.

For more information, visit the ESET website: https://www.eset.com/ve/. You can also follow them on social media: Instagram (@esetla) and Facebook (ESET).

Information and image provided by ESET and Comstat Rowland

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La entrada AI and cybersecurity: the new paradigm of technological crime, explained by ESET apareció primero en Bitfinance.

An analysis conducted in late 2025 by ESET, a leading company in proactive threat detection, highlighted the evolution of ransomware (data kidnapping) as one of trends to watch closely in 2026. This first quarter of the year confirms its importance, and the cybersecurity company analyzes the most attacked industries, which countries were most affected, the situation in Latin America, and the incidence of each group.

Topics of paramount importance and interest to both experts and cautious users who follow these incidents.

According to the ransomware.live report, the three groups that dominated the first quarter of the year were Qilin, The Gentlemen, and Akira, which together accounted for almost 900 victims, representing more than 30% of the total attacks (approximately 2,200).

Qilin ransomware took first place with more than 400 attacks during the quarter. This ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) group, which also held this position last year, took the professionalization of cybercrime to a new level, so to speak, by providing legal counsel to its affiliates to strengthen their leverage during ransom negotiations.

Second place, with almost 250 attacks, went to The Gentlemen. This RaaS group represents a new era: it is moving away from mass attacks to focus on tailored operations. A silent and far more dangerous model, according to ESET, that redefines the rules of the game with targeted and adaptive campaigns.

Akira completed this negative podium, with more than 200 attacks to its name, many in Latin America. Its spread was so widespread that it even put major cybersecurity agencies around the world on alert, including the FBI.

Regarding the industries most affected by ransomware during the first three months of 2026, ESET found the manufacturing, technology, and healthcare sectors to be the most impacted. Following closely behind were business services, construction, and financial services.

“What is clear is that cyber attackers do not choose their victims randomly, but rather seek out organizations where they can generate a strong impact or sense of urgency, whether due to the immediate need to have their systems available, because they cannot afford long operational downtime, or because they handle critical or sensitive information. Ransomware groups continue to focus on economic and reputational impact, targeting industries undergoing digitalization but demonstrating less maturity in cybersecurity,” says Mario Micucci, Cybersecurity Researcher at ESET Latin America.

Internationally, with more than 1,000 attacks recorded, the United States was the country most affected by ransomware during the first quarter of 2026. The countries that followed recorded only 100 attacks or fewer, such as Germany, Great Britain, and France. Canada completed the top five affected countries.

Regarding Latin America, Brazil (50 attacks) and Mexico (30) were the most affected countries, but incidents were also recorded in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Paraguay, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, Guatemala, Panama, and the Dominican Republic

The first quarter of 2026 confirms the trend that ransomware is not a temporary or declining threat, but a consolidated and constantly evolving phenomenon. “The combination of highly active groups, new emerging actors, and increasingly targeted attacks demonstrates that the model remains profitable for cyber attackers. Looking ahead, the focus should be on how organizations can strengthen their prevention, detection, and response capabilities, especially in critical sectors and regions where cybersecurity maturity still has significant gaps,” concludes Micucci of ESET.

For more information on this topic, please visit: https://www.welivesecurity.com/es/ransomware/actividad-ransomware-primer-trimestre-2026/.

Additionally, for other useful preventative information, visit https://www.eset.com/ve/ in Venezuela, and follow them on social media @eset_ve, Instagram (@esetla), and Facebook (ESET).

With information and image reference ​​provided by ESET and Comstat Rowland

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La entrada Manufacturing, technology, and healthcare organizations: Industries most affected by ransomware in 2026 apareció primero en Bitfinance.

In a digital environment where threats are relentless, national productive sectors face a critical scenario: an attempted cyber intrusion every minute. Given this reality, analyzed by ESET Venezuela experts during their 7th Technology Breakfast for Journalists, data protection has ceased to be a technical option and has become a priority for economic survival.

Today, efficient risk management and the adoption of global standards are the only barriers capable of preventing a complete business shutdown.

During this high-level meeting, emerging trends that are redefining the protection of digital assets were explored. Special emphasis was placed on how local organizations must adapt their infrastructures in the face of the increase in sophisticated attacks that jeopardize operations and data integrity in an increasingly interconnected and demanding ecosystem.

Michele Flammia, General Manager of ESET Venezuela, welcomed attendees, highlighting the brand’s commitment to digital education and protecting strategic assets against current challenges.

Alarming figures that drive proactive action

Carlos López Rodríguez, the company’s Support and Training Manager, emphasized that cybersecurity must be viewed as an ongoing process: “Prevention and training cost less than stopping an attack once it has begun.” He also emphasized that certifications and work on control frameworks provide a real guarantee to third parties and clients.

For his part, José Luis Rangel, Commercial Manager of ESET, warned about the lack of visibility in the market: “Almost 40 % of companies don’t know if they are currently being compromised or if they were in the past.”

According to experts, a cyberattack occurs worldwide every 39 seconds, making it a statistically more likely threat than a fire. The economic impact of this operational paralysis can be reduced by up to 97% with adequate investment in training and frameworks such as ISO 27001 or NIST.

The human factor and social engineering

Martina López, a cybersecurity researcher at ESET Latin America, highlighted that social engineering remains the primary entry point for criminals. Using techniques like quishing (QR phishing) and dynamic phishing, attackers exploit the sense of urgency and trust of employees. In the country, the most frequently impersonated entities include DocuSign, MetaMask, and the Telegram platform, taking advantage of peak interest in AI tools and the current national situation.

Key recommendations for resilience

To strengthen defenses, specialists suggest three fundamental pillars:

• Tabletop Drills: Practicing crisis scenarios allows for the identification of weaknesses in response protocols before a real disaster occurs.
• Real Certification: Obtaining third-party endorsements that validate international standards provides real trust and security to clients.
• Device Security: Disable notifications on the lock screen to prevent the theft of passwords or credentials and always enable two-factor authentication (2FA).

Cybersecurity requires operational maturity; it is contradictory to fear quantum computing while working with obsolete systems. As López concluded, “training and practicing will always cost less than stopping a cyber intruder’s operation once it has begun.”

Video coverage with more details

For more information, visit the ESET website: https://www.eset.com/ve/. Also, follow them on social media: Instagram (@esetla) and Facebook (ESET).

Through on-site coverage and information from ESET and Comstat Rowland Comunicaciones Estratégicas Integrales

Audiovisual production: Ida Febres

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La entrada ESET Venezuela: A cyberattack occurs every 39 seconds; prevention reduces downtime costs by up to 97 % apareció primero en Bitfinance.

ESET, a leading company in proactive threat detection, analyzes recovery scams, a type of money recovery fraud that operates as an umbrella term encompassing various predatory tactics, all aimed at the same goal: a second blow. Furthermore, it warns that if you take a moment to understand how they work, you’ll have a good chance of staying safe should you be contacted.

“Scammers only care about making money and take advantage of every opportunity to do so. If you’ve fallen for a scam, you shouldn’t let your guard down, as they won’t hesitate to revictimize you or exploit your desperation to recover stolen funds,” warns the ESET Latin America Cybersecurity Research Lab.

These scams begin when fraudsters buy lists of victims who have already fallen for fraud from other criminals, or they directly target victims of fraud they themselves have committed. Once identified, they contact them and impersonate recovery service providers, consumer protection agencies, government officials, law enforcement, regulators, and so on.

When exchanging information about the case, they promise to try to recover the funds in exchange for an advance payment, or they may claim that they already have the money and are redistributing it to affected customers. Another alternative is that they mention they only need to complete paperwork to release a refund supposedly managed by a government agency or entity.

“This is basically a form of advance fee scam, which in the United States in 2024 resulted in more than 7,000 reports and more than $102 million in losses. Even so, these numbers likely represent only the tip of the iceberg,” adds the ESET Lab.

ESET reports and details the warning signs to avoid a recovery scam

• Exaggerated claims: They say they already have funds or “guarantee” their recovery.
• Unsolicited contact: They arrive without being sought out, via email, social media, SMS, or phone call.
• Upfront payment: They request an initial fee, perhaps called a retainer fee, processing fee, administrative charge, or even a tax-related fee.
• Social engineering: They pressure you into making hasty decisions.
• Impersonation: They claim to be from an official agency, bank, or fraud team.
• Untraceable payment methods: They request crypto, gift cards, or payment apps that are difficult to reverse.
• Unprofessional emails: They use Gmail accounts or other webmail services instead of legitimate corporate addresses.

To avoid becoming a victim again, ESET shares and mentions some recommendations to keep in mind: never pay upfront fees to someone who contacts you out of the blue; always verify the identity of the person contacting you by looking up their information on official websites; And avoid posting stories online about how you were scammed, as criminals monitor the web for victims to target again.

If you have already been a victim of a money recovery scam, according to ESET, your options are limited. They advise reporting the incident to the relevant official authority in your country. This helps authorities map the fraud landscape and protect future victims. If you paid through a bank, notify them as soon as possible. Monitor your accounts and freeze any affected cards. If you provided personal information, change your passwords, activate MFA, and prepare for more convincing phishing attempts in the future.

ESET invites you to learn more about cybersecurity by visiting: https://www.welivesecurity.com/es/.

For other useful preventative information, you can also visit: https://www.eset.com/ve/, and their social media channels @eset_ve. They are also on Instagram (@esetla) and Facebook (ESET).

Information and image provided by ESET and Comstat Rowland

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La entrada The double deception: Fake services that scam you to recover money after you’ve been frauded apareció primero en Bitfinance.

The Gentlemen ransomware attacked more than 250 victims in 17 countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina, and represents a new era of customized and ultra-adaptive attacks. Unlike other groups, this Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) studies the specific defenses of its victims and adapts its tools during the campaign to overcome existing controls. ESET, a leading company in proactive threat detection, analyzes the new landscape of ransomware groups and warns how this disciplined, meticulous, and highly methodical organization has disrupted traditional approaches to become one of the most active threats since July 2025.

“It is an emerging Ransomware-as-a-Service group that burst onto the cybercrime scene in mid-2025. Unlike other groups with more sloppy or rustic aesthetics, The Gentlemen stands out for its polished brand identity. It even maintains a leak site on the dark web with a professional logo and a slogan that reinforces its image as a disciplined and highly detail-oriented organization. This professionalism is not merely aesthetic; it is reflected in the precision of its attacks and the technical quality of its tools,” says Martina Lopez, cybersecurity researcher at ESET Latin America.

Their operating model is based on double extortion, a tactic where they not only encrypt the victim’s files to block access, but also exfiltrate confidential data before encryption. Once they possess the information, they threaten to publish it on their leaks site if a ransom is not paid. This strategy puts massive pressure on companies, especially those that cannot afford a public data breach.

A ransomware attack by The Gentlemen typically begins by exploiting exposed internet access points (systems with open administration) or using previously stolen credentials. Once inside, they deploy tools to scan the internal network, understand how the company is organized, and identify users with elevated privileges, especially those with full access to the systems.

To move within the network and escalate the attack, they use tools that allow them to remotely execute actions on multiple computers and modify key configurations. In this way, they manage to distribute the ransomware simultaneously across all connected devices, further weakening security mechanisms to facilitate remote access and control.

In the final stage, they combine two critical actions: first, they steal sensitive information and send it to external servers in encrypted form; second, they lock down systems using encryption. Once the attack is complete, they execute processes designed to erase their tracks: they delete activity logs, remote connections, and any evidence that could allow them to reconstruct what happened, thus hindering subsequent investigations.

Their first documented victim was registered on June 30, 2025, and since then, their activity has not ceased. They have affected critical sectors such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, insurance, and financial services.

Geographically, their impact is global, but the most affected countries include the United States and Thailand, followed by India, Mexico, Colombia, Spain, and France. This distribution suggests that the group takes advantage of access opportunities wherever they arise, without an apparent geopolitical agenda.

In mid-March 2026, they published on their website the attack on two organizations in Colombia in the healthcare and media sectors. During February, they attacked a government scientific research institute in Argentina, and in March, they claimed responsibility for an attack on an organization in Chile. According to the ransomware.live website, they also reported victims in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Panama.

ESET provides the following list of recommendations to protect yourself from The Gentlemen ransomware:

• Reduce internet exposure: review which systems are accessible from outside and close any unnecessary access, especially administration panels or remote access.
• Protect credentials: use unique and strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor any suspicious logins.
• Keep everything up to date: apply security patches to operating systems, servers, and applications. Many of their intrusions exploit known vulnerabilities.
• Detect anomalous behavior: Implement solutions that allow you to identify unusual activity within the network, such as after-hours access or unexpected remote executions.
• Limit privileges: Not all users need full access. Reducing permissions minimizes the impact if an account is compromised.
• Segment the network: Separating critical systems prevents an attacker from moving freely and compromising the entire infrastructure.
• Perform backups: Carry out regular backups and store them in isolation, verifying that they can be restored correctly.
• Train the team: Human error remains one of the main entry points. Awareness is key.

“In a scenario where attacks are no longer massive but personalized, the question is no longer whether an organization can be targeted, but when. Understanding how groups like The Gentlemen operate is the first step to anticipating a threat that no longer gives warning,” concludes Lopez from ESET.

ESET invites you to learn more about cybersecurity by visiting: https://www.welivesecurity.com/es/.

For useful preventative information, visit https://www.eset.com/ve/ and follow them on social media @eset_ve, Instagram (@esetla), and Facebook (ESET.

Information and images provided by ESET and Comstat Rowland

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