Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor blocked 628 million digital fraud attempts during the third quarter. This marks the first time since activating network filters that the company prevented more malware installation attempts than fraudulent website visits. The scale of blocked attacks reveals the growing sophistication of digital crime targeting Nordic users.
A concerning new trend involves criminals spreading malware through popular social media platforms. Fraudsters create instructional videos on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok that promise free software or access to paid services. These videos actually guide users to install malicious software that gives criminals complete access to their digital lives.
Birgitte Engebretsen, CEO of Telenor Norway, explained the danger in a statement. Following instructions in these videos leads to malware installation that provides criminals with access to your entire digital existence, she warned. This represents a significant escalation from traditional phishing methods.
Meanwhile, Telenor observed a decline in phishing attempts during the same period. The decrease correlates with more businesses implementing multi-factor authentication systems. These security measures make successful phishing attacks more difficult for criminals to execute.
Security experts note this shift in criminal tactics reflects an adaptation to improved corporate security. When companies strengthen their defenses against one type of attack, criminals simply pivot to alternative methods. Malware installation now offers greater potential rewards than successful phishing attempts.
Malware provides criminals with direct access to all services where users remain logged in. This access can bypass multi-factor authentication systems entirely. The malware essentially gives criminals the same level of access as legitimate users.
Many Norwegians have experienced suspicious calls from foreign numbers recently. These calls often feature voices claiming to represent PayPal or other trusted services. In the third quarter alone, Telenor blocked 14.4 million such calls.
August saw what Telenor described as an attack wave targeting Norwegian phone users. During just one day in August, the company stopped 1.3 million fraudulent calls from international numbers. The majority of these calls used number spoofing techniques.
Spoofing involves manipulating the phone numbers displayed on recipient screens. The technique makes calls appear to originate from trusted sources or specific locations. According to Telenor's analysis, most spoofed numbers during the attack wave appeared to come from Dutch telephone numbers.
The concentration of attacks from specific foreign numbers suggests organized criminal operations. Norwegian authorities continue working with international partners to identify and disrupt these networks. The pattern indicates criminals are systematically testing Norwegian defenses.
Digital security in Norway faces evolving challenges as criminals develop new tactics. The shift from phishing to malware distribution through social media shows their adaptability. Norwegian companies and individuals must remain vigilant against these changing threats.
Multi-factor authentication provides important protection but cannot stop all attacks. Users should verify unexpected requests through separate communication channels. Never install software based solely on social media video instructions without additional verification.
Regular software updates and security awareness remain crucial defenses. The Norwegian National Security Authority recommends treating unexpected contacts with skepticism. Verify identities through official channels before providing any information or following instructions.