**Hackers Exploit Free Software Trials to Infiltrate Executive Systems in Brazil**
A new cyberattack trend is emerging in Brazil, where hackers are targeting executives using a method that doesn’t rely on malware—but instead, legitimate remote access tools.
The scheme starts with a professional-looking email containing a fake invoice or financial document. These emails often include links to cloud storage services like Dropbox, leading the recipient to download what appears to be a trial version of software.
In reality, the file installs a trusted IT tool such as a remote access application. Since these programs are widely used in corporate environments, they bypass most security scans without raising alarms. Once installed, the attacker gains full remote access to the victim’s device, allowing them to view sensitive documents, monitor activity, and potentially access broader internal systems.
This tactic is effective because it uses real software, making it harder for standard cybersecurity measures to detect anything suspicious. By focusing on executives, the attackers aim to breach high-value systems with minimal effort.
To mitigate this threat, companies should implement software installation restrictions, train employees to identify social engineering attempts, and closely monitor unusual remote access activity. As cybercriminals shift from brute-force attacks to more subtle techniques, proactive defense becomes more critical than ever.