7 Essential Steps to Take If You’ve Been Deceived by the YouTube Ghost Network

YouTube has long grappled with fraudulent schemes, but the recent discovery of the YouTube Ghost Network stands out as one of the most extensive and intricate. This alarming network of scam videos has left countless YouTubers contemplating their next steps after falling victim to its deceits.

The Ascendance of the YouTube Ghost Network

Often perceived as a mere shadow of the original platform, the Ghost Network has been operating within YouTube since 2021, comprising more than 3, 000 malicious videos designed to exploit users. Researchers from Check Point have been tracking this network for over a year, revealing that the volume of scam content tripled in 2025 alone.

The stealthy nature of this operation is concerning. Rather than relying on a few rogue accounts, the network consists of numerous profiles collaborating seamlessly. These scam accounts engage with real users, leaving positive comments and feedback to enhance their legitimacy and manipulate YouTube’s algorithm into promoting their content more frequently.

Many of the fraudulent accounts boast thousands of followers and attract views in the hundreds of thousands. YouTube’s algorithm interprets this high level of engagement as an endorsement, which leads to increased visibility for these deceptive videos.

Adobe Photoshop crack video showing hundreds of thousands of views.

Compounding the issue, this misleading network has also paid for Google Ads to promote their videos, making it increasingly challenging for even the most discerning users to avoid these scams.

Target Audience: Users Seeking Freebies

The malicious videos predominantly focus on offering cracked software, game cheats, and supposedly free premium applications. In a culture where saving money is often prioritized, these tempting offers lured many unsuspecting viewers. However, the cost of such ‘free’ gifts often includes the compromise of sensitive personal information.

Once users download the promised content, they instead find themselves installing malware. Some initial infections were linked to the Lumma infostealer, but most have transitioned to use Rhadamanthys, which is adept at pilfering sensitive data.

While YouTube has made efforts to remove numerous videos from the Ghost Network, new ones continue to surface. The appeal of these videos remains strong; for example, a video claiming to grant users free access to Adobe Photoshop garnered nearly 290, 000 views and received 54 comments, according to Check Point’s data.

Even if you haven’t fallen victim to the YouTube Ghost Network, the threat remains actively present, and remaining vigilant is crucial.

Take Immediate Action: Enable Your Antivirus

Engaging with cracked software and cheats is illegal. Many gaming platforms will block access to accounts discovered using such hacks.

The malicious videos often advise viewers to disable their antivirus software, falsely claiming it to be necessary for the installation of the so-called hacked or cracked software. This trick exploits the fact that antivirus programs will flag these downloads as malware.

Malicious file warning box on a Windows laptop. — Image source: Unsplash

If you have disabled your antivirus following advice from one of these deceptive videos, re-enable it immediately. Allow it to scan your system, as antivirus tools not only block threats but also help in removing any existing malware.

If the malware obstructs you from turning your antivirus back on, consider disconnecting from the internet to tackle the issues effectively.

Step Two: Disconnect From the Internet

To prevent the malware from transmitting any stolen data, disconnect your device from the internet. Your antivirus software can often still identify threats while offline. For Windows users, you can execute an offline scan with Microsoft Defender by navigating to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan Options > Microsoft Defender Offline Scan.

Running a Microsoft Defender offline scan.

If you require additional tools, consider downloading reputable free antivirus software from another device, as some malware may inhibit installations.

Step Three: Scan All Connected Devices

Be proactive by scanning any external devices that were connected to your infected computer, such as USB drives. Moreover, assess any other machines that may have used those drives, as infostealers can propagate through physical and network connected devices.

Step Four: Uninstall Any Illegal Software or Hacks

While there is a chance you may have obtained a functioning version of the unauthorized software or hack, it could still facilitate further access for the perpetrators. If your antivirus fails to remove what was installed, take the initiative to uninstall these applications manually and delete their installer files. If Windows resists your attempts, explore alternative solutions for file deletion.

Step Five: Avoid Logging Into Accounts

Infostealer malware is designed to extract personal data, which can include usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive details. As soon as you realize you are a victim of the YouTube Ghost Network, cease any further exposure of your information.

Step Six: Use a Secure Device to Update Passwords

Do not utilize your infected device to alter any online account information. Remember all the sites you accessed since downloading cracked software or dubious hacks. The infostealer may have already captured your credentials, so it is vital to change your passwords urgently to guard against unauthorized access.

Step Seven: Consider Issuing New Credit Cards

If you’ve entered your credit card information on your compromised device, reach out to your credit card issuer immediately to report the potential breach. Many companies will provide you a new card at no cost or for a nominal fee, but be prepared for a waiting period of one to two weeks for the replacement card.

How to Avoid Future Scams

Whether you have been affected by the YouTube Ghost Network or wish to safeguard yourself in the future, consider the following strategies to protect yourself from this and similar scams:

Steer clear of any offers for free premium apps or software unless they are part of a legitimate promotion through the official source. Such offers are usually illegal and carry the risk of malware infection.
Never proceed with installations that your antivirus flags as suspicious. Conduct thorough research to verify the safety of the download.
Opt for official channels when downloading software to ensure your online safety. Your identity is invaluable—far outweighing any potential savings from pirated software.

YouTube results for cracked Adobe Photoshop with a giant X over the results.

This scam—and others like it—will not disappear anytime soon. Prioritize your cybersecurity and act swiftly if you suspect malware infection.

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