The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday sent shockwaves around the world. Millions of the faithful are mourning the loss, but where there is sorrow, there are always those ready to exploit it. Cybercriminals, like predators, sniffed out an opportunity and launched a massive attack on social media, using the tragedy as bait.

Cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm: the Pope’s death has become the perfect pretext for phishing attacks. High-profile events that capture global attention are a goldmine for scammers. According to the security firm Check Point, criminals are rolling out disinformation campaigns with chilling sophistication. They create fake posts, leveraging artificial intelligence to generate counterfeit images or videos that appear genuine. These “lures” flood platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, where emotionally vulnerable users become easy targets.

How does it work? A user spots a sensational headline or a touching photo, clicks the link, and… falls into a trap. The fake websites they’re redirected to steal personal data, passwords, or even money. In some cases, scammers deploy hidden processes that spy on the user’s computer or smartphone activity, siphoning off information without their knowledge.

This isn’t the first time cybercriminals have exploited major events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Google recorded up to 18 million malicious emails daily related to the coronavirus. The death of Pope Francis is just the latest trigger for scammers to ramp up their efforts. Experts note that phishing campaigns during such events become more aggressive, with their frequency skyrocketing.

Particularly dangerous are attacks disguised as charitable initiatives or memorial pages. Users are urged to “honor the memory” or “lend a helping hand,” only to end up losing their data or money.

To avoid becoming a victim of cybercriminals, follow these simple rules:

– **Verify sources.** Don’t trust sensational posts on social media, especially if they contain suspicious links.
– **Avoid shady websites.** If you’re redirected to an unfamiliar page, don’t enter any personal information.
– **Update your defenses.** Antivirus software and two-factor authentication are your best allies.
– **Stay vigilant.** If a post or message seems overly emotional or urgent, it might be a trap.

The death of Pope Francis is not only a time for mourning, but also a stark reminder that no one is safe in the digital world. Cybercriminals have no conscience, but we can stay vigilant. Don’t let scammers profit from your trust.