Although it’s one of the most popular social platforms, OnlyFans has its share of security issues. Both subscribers and content creators have reported trouble with scammers and hackers.
So, can you get a virus from OnlyFans, and how can you protect yourself?
Let’s find out!
Contents
What is OnlyFans and is it safe?
OnlyFans is a subscription social platform that allows creators to post content behind a paywall. Fans can subscribe for access, pay-per-view, or “tip” creators to get content created on demand tailored to their interests and tastes.
It’s a win-win situation for everyone!
The UK-based service has been around since 2016 but entered the mainstream during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 when many people lost their usual income avenues.
Musicians, actors, models, and influencers have all moved to OnlyFans. But the platform has become notorious for its explicit visual content since adult entertainers have become its primary users.
In 2022, OnlyFans counted more than 170 million registered users, including 1.5 million creators.
With such a huge user base, one natural question arises:
Is OnlyFans safe?
Generally speaking, OnlyFans is safe. It’s a legitimate social media platform that doesn’t host or share malware.
Additionally, it employs 3D Secure (3DS) protection for all card transactions on the website. This security measure uses 2-factor authentication on every purchase. Meaning you’ll have to validate every transaction with a one-off PIN code.
3DS also keeps an eye out for any suspicious activity, such as purchases coming from other locations, devices, and IP addresses.
So, even if hackers get their hands on your account details, their personal information will not match yours.
On top of that, OnlyFans displays only the last four digits of your credit card number and its expiration date. As a result, hackers can’t steal your full card information and use it on other websites.
Still, OnlyFans can be potentially risky.
The site itself might not host any malicious content, but there’s always a chance of clicking a misleading link. We’ll explain why that’s dangerous in the next section.
What are the potential threats?
One of the cardinal rules of the internet is: Don’t click any suspicious links. It’s Cybersecurity 101.
They could infect you with malware that could take over your entire computer and give hackers access to everything.
We’ll cover the most common security threats in detail below:
Phishing attacks
A classic phishing attack looks like this:
You receive a convincing-looking email from OnlyFans that asks you to click an outgoing link or download a file. Once you do that, you’ll either be asked for your personal information, or the file will infect your computer.
It’s easy to fall for this trap, as scammers can make near-identical-looking copies of legitimate websites.
The best way to stay safe is to abstain from clicking, opening, or downloading anything from anonymous senders.
Other smart practices involve:
- using an email spam filter
- distrusting emails with typos
- ignoring generic communications that don’t include more specific information about you, like your name or account ID
- hovering over links to confirm that they’re valid
Viruses
Viruses are a piece of code inserted into a program, app, or system.
They are (unknowingly) deployed by the victims and then replicated and spread copies to other computers.
They can steal data, seize applications, execute DDoS attacks, send infected files to your contacts, and launch ransomware attacks.
Some telltale signs of viruses include:
- Your computer is taking a long time to start and runs slower.
- Frequent pop-ups and spam.
- You can’t access certain files or log into your computer.
- Your browser’s homepage randomly switches to another webpage.
- Unknown programs are loading on your screen.
- Your antivirus/security software has stopped working.
- Frequent crashes.
- Your email account is sending mass messages on its own.
- Your battery is draining more quickly.
Worms
Worms can also replicate like viruses, but they don’t require hosting software to do damage.
Often distributed as email attachments or in direct messages, they can install backdoors for hackers, delete or modify files, steal data, and launch ransomware and DDoS attacks.
If you notice that your hard drive space is quickly diminishing, you might be infected.
Other causes for concern include sluggish speed, crashes, and mysterious new files on your computer.
Trojans
Trojans are disguised as normal software and trick you into downloading them.
They don’t self-replicate like viruses, but they do require user action to be activated.
They can spy on users, modify and steal data, execute DDoS attacks, access networks, and take remote control of devices.
The most common types of Trojan are:
- Backdoor
- Downloader
- Fake antivirus
- Game-thief
- Mailfinder
- Ransom
Ransomware
Ransomware locks and encrypts devices and demands ransom from victims.
It usually creates a backdoor for hackers to gain access to other people’s systems and threaten them into fulfilling their demands.
It can lead to financial loss, hold devices hostage, and make data inaccessible.
Different types include:
- Crypto-malware
- Doxware
- Scareware
- RaaS
- Lockers
- Mac ransomware
- Ransomware on mobile devices
Adware
Adware shows up in the form of pop-up ads and tracks your browser activity.
Your data can then be sold to third parties or used for credit card fraud and identity theft.
It can also lure users to malicious sites, install spyware, and tends to be a general annoyance.
You might have adware on your computer if you’re experiencing the following:
- Advertisements are showing up in unexpected places.
- Web pages aren’t displaying properly.
- Your browser’s homepage has mysteriously changed.
- Your web browser’s speed is greatly diminished.
- There are new plugins, extensions, and toolbars on your browser.
- Website links redirect you to different sites.
Botnets
Botnets are networks of hijacked devices used to carry out cyberattacks.
Hackers expose users to botnets using security exploits, and then they take control of their devices and mobilize them for mass attacks.
They are remotely operated via the Command-and-Control server using centralized (client-server) or decentralized (P2P) models.
Botnets are often responsible for server crashing, data theft, and malware distribution.
Spyware
Spyware infiltrates devices without the owner’s knowledge.
It can track your login credentials, internet activity, or other sensitive information.
Keyloggers are a well-known example that records your keystrokes and captures everything you type.
Some notorious spyware programs are:
- CoolWebSearch (CWB) — It completely changes your homepage, fills it with pop-ups, and marks unsafe websites as safe.
- HawkEye — This keylogger is mainly distributed via spam mail and can also covertly record screenshots, videos, and activate your microphone.
- Olympic Vision — It usually compromises business email accounts, logs keystrokes, steals clipboard data, and exfiltrates credentials.
Rootkits
Rootkits grant hackers remote control of their victims’ devices.
They work quietly in the background and are extremely hard to notice.
They allow cybercriminals to steal your passwords, online banking information, personal information, and more.
There are five types of rootkits:
- Hardware or firmware rootkit — infects your hard drive or system BIOS
- Bootloader rootkit — replaces your computer’s bootloader with an infected one
- Application rootkit — infiltrates standard apps like Word, Paint, or Notepad
- Memory rootkit — hides in your computer’s RAM and will disappear once you reboot your system
- Kernel mode rootkit — targets your operating system’s core and changes how it functions.
Can you get a virus from OnlyFans?
There is zero chance of you directly stumbling upon malware on OnlyFans. However, it’s an entirely different story with links that lead to third-party websites.
They are the biggest danger on OnlyFans.
If you click on them, you can download software that will infiltrate your system without your knowledge.
Malicious users could hack you, steal your credit card information and login credentials, or infect you with malware.
Phishing attacks are one of the most popular cybercriminal strategies.
Always be careful when opening email from OnlyFans that’s suspiciously generic and insists that you click on a link.
On top of that, scammers are also prevalent on the platform. They can pretend to be creators and offer tons of cheap content — but on other websites.
If you visit them, you could automatically download a harmful file in a drive-by download attack.
Creators can also get scammed with promises of higher earnings provided they make an account on another website.
So, never trust any external links, especially if they promise you things that are too good to be true.
Additionally, you should always start with a simple monthly subscription. That way, you can ensure that you follow a real creator before committing to a longer plan.
How to stay safe?
You can avoid most malware troubles simply by never clicking on external links or downloading attachments from unknown accounts.
But there are other measures that can make a world of difference.
Follow these guidelines to secure your account on OnlyFans:
- Get a password manager and use a strong password.
- Use 2-factor authentication.
- Use a separate email account for your OnlyFans login.
- Keep your personal information private, and don’t share details.
- Regularly track your financial accounts to quickly notice if something’s amiss.
Constant vigilance isn’t enough, though. Something could still fly under your radar and infect your devices.
That’s why you should also get your hands on a robust antivirus and VPN.
Use an antivirus
With an antivirus, you can rest assured that your privacy is intact.
We recommend TotalAV for its broad scope of features. It’s equipped with a WebShield and real-time protection from viruses, malware, and online threats. You can also schedule smart scans to ensure your system remains safe and secure.
Once Total AV detects suspicious activity, it will back up your important files and restore them after it neutralizes the attack.
TotalAV also monitors your personal email address for leaks. If your data is compromised, you receive notifications.
In addition, you get all those annoying ads blocked, including in videos. Web browser tracking cookies also get removed, so your internet activity remains private.TotalAV is an affordable antivirus option. What’s more, there is a free version that offers a basic yet effective scanner.
Get a VPN
A good VPN will provide you with an extra layer of security while using OnlyFans. Our top choice for this is NordVPN.
It allows you to use it even in countries where it’s been banned, such as Russia, UAE, Qatar, and others.
You can connect to over 5600 in 85 locations across 59 countries.
It uses the most sophisticated encryption standard (AES-256) and private DNS to keep your data safe. It has a legitimate no-logs policy.
Its protocols are also both secure and fast: NordLynx and OpenVPN.
And if you use split tunneling, you can choose to just encrypt OnlyFans while the rest of your traffic is normal.
NordVPN has another trick up its sleeve: obfuscated servers. They will work even in the most restrictive environments.
Finally, you can use it on up to six devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chromebook, Amazon Fire, and more.
Conclusion
So, can you get a virus from OnlyFans?
Yes, but only if you follow third-party links and leave the website. The platform itself is completely malware-free.
So, just follow the general cybersecurity guidelines, and you should be fine. Additionally, a reputable antivirus and VPN will bolster your defenses even more.
Good luck, and stay safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OnlyFans keep your identity?
OnlyFans encrypts all your personal information and keeps it on a separate server.
Is it safe to use a debit card on OnlyFans?
Yes, debit cards are a safe and valid payment option for OnlyFans. The platform uses 3DS protection, and you’ll only be able to see the last four digits of your card number.
How safe is OnlyFans verification?
OnlyFans verification is safe. The process involves providing certain information to one or more of the company’s services providers – Ondato, Aristotle, and Jumio – which specialize in verifying users online.
Can you get a virus from watching OnlyFans?
No, you can’t get a virus from watching OnlyFans. But if you wonder, “can you get a virus from OnlyFans when following third-party links,” the answer is yes. Malicious users and hackers can mislead you into opening dangerous links and infect your computer with viruses.
