Here’s a retro computer tip from 1995: avoid entering random inputs into the Windows Run command bar. While it may seem intuitive, a particularly crafty piece of malware is gaining traction online through this very method. Although it sounds simple, the technique is both sneaky and effective. The scenario unfolds as you navigate a potentially dubious website or even a seemingly reputable one that fails to guard against malicious ads.
You encounter a CAPTCHA notification prompting you to verify your humanity by interacting with a checkbox. Unlike standard CAPTCHAs, this one provides a specific sequence of actions to follow, raising a few red flags. Malware experts have identified a type of CAPTCHA that instructs users to take three unusual actions: press the Windows key and R, then Ctrl and V, followed by the Enter key. If you have some familiarity with Windows, this sequence should trigger a warning in your mind.
The pop-up verification is a trick to get users to open the Windows Run command, paste text that has been surreptitiously copied to their clipboard using JavaScript, and execute it. This tactic is particularly effective against less tech-savvy individuals. The ingenious aspect is that the copied text typically begins with “I am not a robot – reCAPTCHA Verification ID: XXXX.” This specific string is precisely the length required to completely fill the Run command window, making it a clever ploy. Reports indicate that these files often masquerade as innocent media or HTML documents but are actually designed to harvest personal information or function as remote control trojans.
This scheme exploits a combination of automatic responses to CAPTCHA prompts, a lack of Windows knowledge among users, and lax security on unfamiliar sites. While basic security features in Windows 10 or 11 should catch malicious downloads, research suggests that variations of this tactic persist. Despite safeties in place, it seems that some individuals are still falling victim to this devious setup.