It starts off as a harmless task. You receive a file that doesn’t open correctly, so you do what most people do. You search for a free file converter online. In seconds, you find a website that promises to convert your file type. Upload. Download. Done.
But what if that download wasn’t just your converted file? What if it also opened a door into your network?
The FBI recently issued a warning about fake file converter websites being used to distribute malware. These sites are designed to look legitimate, but they’re actually tools cybercriminals are using to steal data and deliver ransomware. If your business has ever used an online file converter, it’s time to take a closer look.
Why File Converters Are So Popular in Small Businesses
Small and mid-sized businesses juggle a variety of file types daily. PDFs, Word documents, images, scanned files, spreadsheets, and more. And not every business has software to handle every format.
That’s why many teams rely on free tools online. They’re:
- Easy to find
- Quick to use
- A go-to when IT isn’t available
Someone might be converting a scanned invoice into a PDF or resizing an image to add to a report. It feels like a time-saver. And that’s exactly what makes these tools such a perfect trap.
The Real Risk Behind the Convenience
According to the FBI’s Denver Field Office, these fake file converters don’t just return a usable document. They often include malware in the download. And not the harmless kind.
Some of the malware strains linked to these fake tools, like NetSupport RAT, DarkGate, and RacoonStealer, are designed to:
- Record your keystrokes and capture login credentials
- Send business data, emails, and documents to attackers
- Create a backdoor into your network for future attacks
- Deploy ransomware to lock up your systems until you pay
Worse yet, this software is built to avoid detection. It can sit quietly in the background while attackers map out your system and look for valuable data or ways to escalate their access.
Why Small Businesses Are Prime Targets
Cybercriminals know that small businesses are stretched thin. There might not be an in-house IT person, or if there is, they’re juggling a dozen other tasks. Employees are resourceful and used to solving problems on their own.
That mix of independence, limited resources, and high-value data makes SMBs ideal targets.
And let’s face it. No one expects the free file converter to be the thing that takes down the business.
Here’s How You Can Stay Protected
Good news. You don’t need a full-blown security team to be safe. Start with these practical steps:
1. Establish a Policy Around Online Tools
Let your team know which tools are safe to use and which ones are off-limits. Be clear that random online converters should not be used under any circumstances.
2. Offer Better Options
Provide your team with trusted, approved software for converting files. Many productivity tools like Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft 365 have built-in conversion features.
3. Educate Your Employees
Awareness is key. Make sure your team understands the risks. A five-minute conversation can prevent a five-week cleanup.
4. Implement Endpoint Protection
Use security tools that monitor devices for unusual behavior. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems help catch threats early before they spread.
5. Back Everything Up
If ransomware ever does get through, backups can be your lifeline. Make sure they’re recent, protected, and tested.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Infected
If someone on your team downloaded a file from a converter site and something seems off:
- Disconnect the affected device from the network immediately
- Contact your IT support or managed service provider
- Begin your incident response process, which should include scanning for threats, resetting credentials, and reviewing system logs
- Report the incident to the FBI at IC3.gov
Don’t Let a Simple Task Become a Big Problem
A quick download should never lead to a business disaster. But that’s the reality when tools meant to help you are being used to break in. The risk isn’t theoretical. It’s happening right now, and small businesses are the ones paying the price.
At Xentric Solutions, we help small and mid-sized businesses build smarter, safer IT environments without slowing them down. If your team is still relying on free tools they found through a search engine, it might be time for a more secure approach.
Are you sure your next file download isn’t coming with something extra?