Beirut, Monday, September 30, 2024 | The ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon has killed 1,600 martyrs since October 8, 2023, 700 of which were killed in the last week alone.
As Israel’s violence intensifies and expands, the Israeli occupation has deployed various digital tools to terrorize and mislead people in Lebanon. These tools included text messages, sponsored ads, and other misleading information, which SMEX promptly documented.
Over the past two weeks, Israeli intelligence have weaponized digital communications to further burden those struggling under the threat and realities of bombardment and displacement. As caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati noted, these hardships “may be the greatest in the region and in Lebanon.”
Fake eviction requests on WhatsApp
People in Lebanon have reported receiving messages through the widely-used application WhatsApp, urging them to evacuate their homes claiming they “contain explosive materials,” and will be bombed.
The purpose of these messages is to instill fear and frighten their recipients. We advise people to follow their individual assessment of the situation in their areas and act accordingly.
Local Lebanese media have reported the arrest of two individuals responsible for sending such messages through the VGSMS app. But these individuals only sent one message.
These messages, while easy to fabricate, cause great damage. As previously reported, sending threatening messages can be done through the interception of communications in a specific geographical range.
Phishing links behind aid platforms for displaced persons
Some people also reported receiving messages from the World Food Programme claiming “to provide cash and food aid worth $300 per month.” Sawab, a fact-checking platform, found that these are fake links and warned against clicking them as they expose users’ data to theft.
These links are phishing links disguised as shortened versions of real links or contain errors in their URL. Once clicked, they could install harmful software on the device or ask the user to fill in private information such as account credentials, financial information, and other compromising information.
For more information on how to protect yourself from phishing links, refer to the end of this article.
Deceptive stickers on messaging apps
Images from WhatsApp conversations have surfaced, displaying fake messages such as “This message has been removed according to a top-secret Israeli database” or “This message has been deleted by Israeli armed forces.” In reality, these are simply ordinary WhatsApp stickers of unknown origin that can easily be manipulated through copy and paste.
SMEX urges against sharing these stickers to prevent unnecessary panic in times of conflict and war.
Foreign parties are collecting your data!
People have reported receiving calls from an unidentified source requesting personal and sometimes biometric information, under the pretense of “offering assistance in light of current circumstances.” The identity of this party, its affiliations, and its motives for collecting this data remain unknown.
SMEX strongly advises against sharing any personal information with unknown callers and urges individuals to notify the relevant authorities to investigate and identify those responsible.
Here are some digital security tips for you!
- Enhance your security online and avoid falling victim to any attacks through these steps provided by SMEX.
- Avoid phishing links. They often look like this: http://freeticket-xn--8973.smexclub[.]win
- Do not log in to your social media accounts through links you receive from anyone.
- Links that include words such as “urgent” or that urge people to take action are often fraudulent– so avoid these!
- Install anti-malware software such as Malwarebytes and run a scan every day.
As always, we are here for you. If you suspect any form of online threat, contact our Digital Safety Helpdesk:
Signal/WhatsApp: + 961 81 633 133
Email: helpdesk@smex.org
