--- title: Fake Copyright Infringement Emails Used To Spread Malware description: Fake Copyright Infringement Emails Used To Spread Malware --- [Securafy Knowledge Hub](https://blog.securafy.com) - [Topics](https://blog.securafy.com/#sf-cover) - [Tools](https://blog.securafy.com/#sf-tools) - [Books & Guides](https://blog.securafy.com/#sf-books) [Talk to Securafy](https://meetings.hubspot.com/securafy/strategy-call) [Topics](https://blog.securafy.com/#sf-cover) [Tools](https://blog.securafy.com/#sf-tools) [Books & Guides](https://blog.securafy.com/#sf-books) [Talk to Securafy](https://meetings.hubspot.com/securafy/strategy-call) [Knowledge Hub](https://blog.securafy.com) / IT Operations IT Operations # Fake Copyright Infringement Emails Used To Spread Malware Fake Copyright Infringement Emails Used To Spread Malware ![Randy Hall](https://blog.securafy.com/hubfs/Randy%20Hall%202.png) By Randy Hall Updated Nov 2025 2 min read Share [**](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://blog.securafy.com/2022/08/04/fake-copyright-infringement-emails-used-to-spread-malware) [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.securafy.com/2022/08/04/fake-copyright-infringement-emails-used-to-spread-malware&text=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EFake+Copyright+Infringement+Emails+Used+To+Spread+Malware%3C%2Fspan%3E) [**](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EFake+Copyright+Infringement+Emails+Used+To+Spread+Malware%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https://blog.securafy.com/2022/08/04/fake-copyright-infringement-emails-used-to-spread-malware) ![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png)Hackers found a new way to slip malware past your defenses.  Researchers around the world have spotted a curious new campaign designed to scare victims by sending them emails warning of copyright infringement. The email begins by warning that the recipient's website is hosting copyright-protected content and threatens legal action if the offending material isn't removed immediately. The red flag here is that rather than simply spelling out what materials are copyright protected in the body of the email, the attackers include a ZIP protected archive file which supposedly provides the details. Naturally, anyone who gets scared into opening the archive will not find any details. Rather, they will have inadvertently opened the door to allow LockBit 2.0 ransomware to be installed on their machine. Worse, if that machine happens to be connected to your corporate network, the malware will spread laterally from there while infecting and locking files on as many devices as it can manage. It's a clever bit of social engineering.  Nobody wants to run afoul of copyrights, so the hackers are playing on common fears and the current campaign is well organized.  Not only are the emails slickly put together, but the hackers are using one of the most prolific ransomware strains out there. You're probably not actually displaying copyrighted materials on your website. Even if you were, the content in question would be mentioned prominently in the body of whatever email you got from the owner of the copyright. Be sure your staff is aware of the current campaign.  Once someone opens the archive, it's too late and your company will probably be facing some downtime, not to mention the loss of trust you'll suffer.  It's just not worth the risk.  Stay safe out there. Tagged Under IT Operations[Cybersecurity](https://blog.securafy.com/tag/cybersecurity)Business ContinuityAI Governance In This Article Need Help With Your Current Setup? Talk through your current systems, risks, and support gaps with Securafy. [Book a Strategy Call](https://meetings.hubspot.com/securafy/strategy-call) ## Join The Conversation Have a question or perspective on this topic? Add it below. ![Randy Hall](https://blog.securafy.com/hubfs/Randy%20Hall%202.png) About The Author Randy Hall · CEO & Founder Randy Hall is the CEO and Founder of Securafy, with decades of experience helping organizations make smarter, safer decisions about technology. A frequent speaker and instructor at national IT events, Randy has advised thousands of organizations, from startups and SMBs to large enterprises and U.S. government entities, on secure, practical technology adoption. He writes about the decisions business leaders are often expected to make without enough context, including cybersecurity, compliance, AI, cyber insurance, IT strategy, and business resilience. Outside the office, you’ll often find Randy on Lake Erie enjoying time on his 38-foot Chris-Craft. **Writes about:** Cybersecurity strategy, compliance, AI security, business resilience, cyber insurance, SMB risk, IT leadership [More From This Author →](https://blog.securafy.com/author/randyhall) Related Articles Business Continuity [Compliance Risk Assessment: How Downtime Impacts Your Bottom Line](https://blog.securafy.com/compliance-risk-assessment-how-downtime-impacts-your-bottom-line) When systems go down, compliance obligations don't pause—and the financial consequences ... Jul 28, 2026 Compliance [HIPAA Security Rule Changes Are Delayed To 2027: Why Healthcare Organizations Should Not Wait](https://blog.securafy.com/hipaa-security-rule-changes-are-delayed-to-2027-why-healthcare-organizations-should-not-wait) The updated HIPAA Security Rule won't take effect until 2027, but healthcare ... 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