Individual and corporate users who deal with file conversion on a regular basis often use them in a hurry and may overlook some risks associated with these “free” tools
Some users don’t know what risks they are taking when converting a PDF to Word. Profimedia photo
In the first 10 months of 2024, cyber security specialists detected and blocked 476 million web-based threats across Europe. Web threats encompass a wide range of cyber risks that can trigger harmful events or actions over the Internet. According to Kaspersky experts, one such risk involves using free online services to convert file formats, which they warn can expose users to cyber threats. These websites offer fast and free conversion of a *.pdf file to *.doc or a *.heic image file to *.jpg, for example. Individual and corporate users who deal with PDF to Word conversion on a regular basis often use them in a hurry and may overlook some risks associated with these “free” tools.
Software for desktop and mobile operating systems that can perform these conversion tasks is available, but often requires a subscription price that many users are unwilling to pay. And in corporate environments, this software may not be available for quick and easy installation. As a result, users turn to free online services. However, there are serious cybersecurity risks associated with using free online services to convert images, documents, and other types of files.
What risks can you expose yourself to?
Below are some of the potential risks for both individual and corporate users.
1. Data Privacy Risks
• Exposure of sensitive information: When you upload files to these services, you risk exposing sensitive or confidential data to the service provider. This can be of particular concern to corporate users, as the files may contain confidential or customer information.
• Data retention policies: Many free services don’t clearly state how long they keep the files you upload or whether they delete them after processing. Files could be stored indefinitely.
• Unauthorized use of data: Some services may claim ownership of files or data uploaded to their platform through ambiguous terms of service, which may lead to misuse of proprietary or personal content.
• Companies in regulated industries (eg healthcare, finance) can break laws by uploading sensitive files to unapproved third-party services. This can lead to large fines and reputational damage.
• If a service provider is hacked, files stored on its servers can be leaked, exposing sensitive information.
2. Malware and Phishing Threats
• Malicious code injection: Some dubious services may modify files or include malicious code in the output, such as scripts embedded in PDFs or image metadata.
• Phishing sites: Fake file conversion websites can be set up to steal sensitive information such as user credentials, especially if login or subscription is required.
3. Man-in-the-Middle attacks
• Attackers could intercept files if the service uses insecure communication protocols or if the site itself is compromised.
“While free online file conversion services offer an undeniable convenience, they are a growing cybersecurity blind spot, especially as digital workflows increasingly rely on quick and convenient solutions. The real danger is not just the immediate risks of data exposure or malware, but how these services might evolve. As more users entrust sensitive files to such platforms, the incentive for cybercriminals to exploit them will only increase. We could see an increase in advanced phishing schemes or even AI-based attacks, where malicious actors use uploaded files to precisely target users. For corporate environments, reliance on these services could lead to systemic vulnerabilities, especially as regulatory bodies tighten their grip on data handling practices. What seems like a harmless shortcut today could become tomorrow’s Trojan horse”, comments Marc Rivero, Security Researcher, Global Research and Analysis Team.
How you can protect yourself
Here’s how you can minimize the risks:
1. Use trusted services: Use only reputable and well-known file conversion platforms that have clear privacy policies and data handling practices.
2. Check security features: Make sure the site uses HTTPS and preferably end-to-end encryption for file transfers.
3. Read Terms and Policies: Understand how the Service manages, stores and deletes uploaded files.
4. Use offline tools: For sensitive or confidential files, consider using offline or local software instead of online services.
5. Corporate Guidelines: Follow your organization’s IT security policies and use approved tools for document handling and conversion.
6. Avoid Credential Reuse: Never use corporate or sensitive credentials on third-party platforms.
