Avoid falling prey to HTML/Phishing content

What is "HTML/Phishing"?

"HTML/Phishing" refers to HTML-based content primarily used for phishing. HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language - a language for content designed to be displayed on a Web browser. Phishing is a scam in which victims are tricked into disclosing sensitive information. However, material classified as "HTML/Phishing" may not operate as phishing does. It must be mentioned that "HTML/Phishing" or similar variations are also used as detection names by some anti-virus programs.

The main distribution method of "HTML/Phishing" is spam mail. Although, files within this classification may also be downloaded from other dubious sources. It is noteworthy that HTML-based content used for general fraudulent purposes is categorized as "HTML/Fraud".

"HTML/Phishing" overview

While "HTML/Phishing" can be encountered through questionable download channels, this content is primarily spread through spam emails/messages in the form of attachments or website links. Hence, "HTML/Phishing" encompasses both webpages and HTML format files.

Phishing aims to obtain vulnerable data through deception. Various scam models are used to acquire different information. For example, phishing that targets log-in credentials may warn users that there are undelivered emails/messages, mandatory updates pending, suspicious/fraudulent activity has been detected on their accounts, etc.

Scams seeking personally identifiable information (e.g., names, addresses, occupations, etc.) give varied reasons for users to disclose it, e.g., to receive gifts, prizes, winnings, payouts, inheritances, donations, to subscribe for a certain service, and so on.

Victims can be lured into entering the desired data into phishing webpages or files. Finance-related information is often extracted through fee or purchase related messages, which lead users to dubious payment gateways operating as phishing sites.

Regardless of what information is targeted or its intended use - "HTML/Phishing" can cause a wide variety of problems to its victims; trusting this content can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, identity theft, and system infections.

Threat Summary:

Name	HTML/Phishing email
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Detection Names	Avast (HTML:Bankfraud-AIF [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Script.141518), DrWeb (Trojan.Bankfraud), Kaspersky (Trojan-Spy.HTML.Bayfraud.co), Microsoft (PWS:HTML/Bankfraud), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms	Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of the computer.
Distribution methods	Deceptive emails, rogue online pop-up ads, search engine poisoning techniques, misspelled domains.
Damage	Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

"HTML/Phishing" promoting spam campaign examples

We have analyzed countless instances of "HTML/Phishing". To provide some examples, "Validate Now", "Email policy & privacy violation", "Cornèrcard email scam" - are a few spam emails that promote phishing sites, and "DHL Shipment Details", "Covid-19 stimulus payment", "Payment completed on behalf of my boss" - are letters that have HTML file attachments used for the same purpose.

However, it must be mentioned that spam mail is not used exclusively for phishing and other scams, these emails are also employed in malware distribution (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).

How are spam campaigns used in phishing scams and malware proliferation?

Spam emails can have dangerous files attached to them or contain links to harmful websites. Phishing scams operate by tricking users into providing vulnerable data into files or sites.

While malware proliferation can work by leading users to visit compromised websites that are promoted through this mail. The sites can be designed to stealthily download/install malicious software or lure users into doing so themselves. These emails can also have malicious files attached to them.

Virulent attachments can be in various file formats, e.g., executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), PDF and Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript, and so forth. When such a file is opened - the infection process is triggered.

For example, once an infectious MS document is opened in pre-2010 Microsoft Office versions - it immediately executes malicious macro commands, thus jumpstarting malware download/installation.

Later Microsoft Office versions have "Protected View" mode that prevents automatic macro execution; instead, users can manually enable them (i.e., allow editing/content). Note that virulent documents frequently include deceptive messages intended to bait users into enabling macro commands.

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly advise against opening/clicking the attachments and links found in suspicious and irrelevant emails, as this content may be used for phishing or cause malware infections. Additionally, it is important to use Microsoft Office versions released after 2010.

However, data-stealing and malware-spreading content is also promoted online - hence, we recommend exercising caution when browsing. We advise downloading only from official/verified sources. Additionally, all programs must be activated and updated with tools provided by legitimate developers, as those obtained from third-parties may cause system infections.

It is paramount to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats and issues. If you've already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Screenshot of a spam email promoting "HTML/Phishing" content:

Update January 3, 2024 - Some antivirus suites have been recently detecting executable files as "Trojan:HTML/Phish" malware. This detection name is a variation of "HTML/Phishing". As mentioned above, "HTML/Phishing" detection name is used for HTML files. Therefore, cases in which executable or other non-HTML format files are detected as "Trojan:HTML/Phish" or any other variations are considered false positives.

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is HTML/Phishing email?
• Types of malicious emails.
• How to spot a malicious email?
• What to do if you fell for an email scam?

Types of malicious emails:

Phishing Emails

Most commonly, cybercriminals use deceptive emails to trick Internet users into giving away their sensitive private information, for example, login information for various online services, email accounts, or online banking information.

Such attacks are called phishing. In a phishing attack, cybercriminals usually send an email message with some popular service logo (for example, Microsoft, DHL, Amazon, Netflix), create urgency (wrong shipping address, expired password, etc.), and place a link which they hope their potential victims will click on.

After clicking the link presented in such email message, victims are redirected to a fake website that looks identical or extremely similar to the original one. Victims are then asked to enter their password, credit card details, or some other information that gets stolen by cybercriminals.

Emails with Malicious Attachments

Another popular attack vector is email spam with malicious attachments that infect users' computers with malware. Malicious attachments usually carry trojans that are capable of stealing passwords, banking information, and other sensitive information.

In such attacks, cybercriminals' main goal is to trick their potential victims into opening an infected email attachment. To achieve this goal, email messages usually talk about recently received invoices, faxes, or voice messages.

If a potential victim falls for the lure and opens the attachment, their computers get infected, and cybercriminals can collect a lot of sensitive information.

While it's a more complicated method to steal personal information (spam filters and antivirus programs usually detect such attempts), if successful, cybercriminals can get a much wider array of data and can collect information for a long period of time.

Sextortion Emails

This is a type of phishing. In this case, users receive an email claiming that a cybercriminal could access the webcam of the potential victim and has a video recording of one's masturbation.

To get rid of the video, victims are asked to pay a ransom (usually using Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency). Nevertheless, all of these claims are false - users who receive such emails should ignore and delete them.

How to spot a malicious email?

While cyber criminals try to make their lure emails look trustworthy, here are some things that you should look for when trying to spot a phishing email:

• Check the sender's ("from") email address: Hover your mouse over the "from" address and check if it's legitimate. For example, if you received an email from Microsoft, be sure to check if the email address is @microsoft.com and not something suspicious like @m1crosoft.com, @microsfot.com, @account-security-noreply.com, etc.
• Check for generic greetings: If the greeting in the email is "Dear user", "Dear @youremail.com", "Dear valued customer", this should raise suspiciousness. Most commonly, companies call you by your name. Lack of this information could signal a phishing attempt.
• Check the links in the email: Hover your mouse over the link presented in the email, if the link that appears seems suspicious, don't click it. For example, if you received an email from Microsoft and the link in the email shows that it will go to firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0... you shouldn't trust it. It's best not to click any links in the emails but to visit the company website that sent you the email in the first place.
• Don't blindly trust email attachments: Most commonly, legitimate companies will ask you to log in to their website and to view any documents there; if you received an email with an attachment, it's a good idea to scan it with an antivirus application. Infected email attachments are a common attack vector used by cybercriminals.

To minimise the risk of opening phishing and malicious emails we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows. 

Example of a spam email:

What to do if you fell for an email scam?

• If you clicked on a link in a phishing email and entered your password - be sure to change your password as soon as possible. Usually, cybercriminals collect stolen credentials and then sell them to other groups that use them for malicious purposes. If you change your password in a timely manner, there's a chance that criminals won't have enough time to do any damage.
• If you entered your credit card information - contact your bank as soon as possible and explain the situation. There's a good chance that you will need to cancel your compromised credit card and get a new one.
• If you see any signs of identity theft - you should immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission. This institution will collect information about your situation and create a personal recovery plan.
• If you opened a malicious attachment - your computer is probably infected, you should scan it with a reputable antivirus application. For this purpose, we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
• Help other Internet users - report phishing emails to Anti-Phishing Working Group, FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, National Fraud Information Center and U.S. Department of Justice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is "HTML/Phishing"?

"HTML/Phishing" refers to deceptive content based on the HTML language, which is designed to be displayed on Internet browsers. "HTML/Phishing" is primarily used for phishing, i.e., scams intended to trick users into disclosing sensitive information. "HTML/Phishing" websites and files are most commonly promoted through email spam campaigns.

Why do I receive spam emails?

Spam emails are sent by the thousands; they are not personal.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by a spam email, what should I do?

If you have disclosed account credentials - reset the passwords of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support. And if you have provided other private information (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) - immediately contact relevant authorities.

I have read a spam email but didn't open the attachment, is my computer infected?

No, merely reading a spam email will not trigger any system infection processes. Malware download/installation is initiated when the files or links present in this mail - are clicked/opened.

I have downloaded and opened a file attached to a spam email, is my computer infected?

Whether an infection was initiated can depend on the file's format. Executable files (.exe, .run, etc.) start downloading/installing malware when opened - almost without fail. However, document formats (.pdf, .doc, .xls, etc.) may require additional actions (e.g., macro command enablement, etc.) to start the infection processes.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning files for malicious content (including phishing files). It can also detect and eliminate most of the known malware infections. It must be stressed that performing a full system scan is crucial - since high-end malicious software usually hides deep within systems.

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