Kaspersky Warns Viral Social Media Challenges Can Lead to Cybersecurity Threats

Viral challenges on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube may appear to be harmless entertainment, but they can also become gateways for cybercriminals seeking personal information or directing users to malicious websites, according to a new study by Kaspersky.

The cybersecurity company reported that 36% of users surveyed across Latin America have participated in viral challenges at least once, with 34% doing so occasionally and 2% frequently. Meanwhile, 59% said they have never joined a viral challenge, while 5% were unfamiliar with the phenomenon.

Entertainment Drives Participation

Among those who participate, entertainment is the primary motivation. According to the study, 71% said they join challenges because they are fun, while 20% cited friends or acquaintances as the reason. Another 9% said they take part because the challenges are popular or promoted by celebrities.

Kaspersky warned that this combination of entertainment, social pressure and fast-moving online trends can encourage people to act impulsively without considering potential security risks. Cybercriminals may exploit these challenges by directing users to fraudulent websites, encouraging unsafe app downloads or requesting unnecessary permissions that can compromise personal information.

Personal Information Can Become a Target

Many viral trends encourage participants to share details about their daily routines, locations, family members, workplaces, schools or valuable possessions. While each piece of information may seem insignificant on its own, Kaspersky said these details can help criminals build comprehensive digital profiles that facilitate identity theft, fraud and sophisticated social engineering attacks.

Carolina Mojica, Kaspersky’s Consumer Product Manager for Northern and Southern Latin America, said the danger lies not only in the content of viral challenges but also in how they encourage users to react quickly and disclose information without evaluating the consequences. She noted that criminals can exploit this behavior to collect personal data, distribute malicious applications or redirect users to fraudulent websites.

Tips for Safer Participation

Kaspersky recommends reviewing any viral challenge before participating and avoiding those that require users to reveal sensitive personal information, documents, routines or locations. The company also advises treating links, filters and third-party applications associated with online trends with caution, verifying website legitimacy before entering passwords, verification codes or financial information.

Additional recommendations include limiting the visibility of social media profiles through privacy settings, discussing online safety with children and teenagers who may be more vulnerable to peer pressure, and using security software capable of detecting phishing attempts, malicious websites and harmful applications before they compromise personal data.