‘This creates a form of multi-layered obfuscation’: New report says criminals are using emojis to avoid detection

• Flashpoint warns cybercriminals of using emojis to evade detection
• Emojis replace scam and financial keywords to bypass filters
• Symbols like 💳, 🔑, 🤖 signal maps, credentials and malware

Nowadays, like everyone else, cybercriminals also use emojis. But they don’t just use them to make their messages fun or exciting, they also use them to hide their communications in plain sight and escape the scrutiny of security analysts.

That’s according to a new report from threat intelligence experts, Flashpoint. Published earlier this week, Flashpoint says bad actors can replace emojis with keywords associated with fraud techniques, financial activity, as well as specific platforms or services.