The research, in which Bitdefender shows over 50,000 harmful links discovered on Discord, demonstrates the platform's rising vulnerability to cyber threats.

Malware Distribution: Cybercriminals use Discord to distribute malicious software (malware) to unsuspecting victims. These malware strains can range from spyware and ransomware to keyloggers and remote access Trojans. By enticing users to click on seemingly harmless links, attackers gain unauthorized access to their systems.

Phishing Attacks: Discord is also a playground for phishing campaigns. Scammers create fake login pages or impersonate legitimate services, tricking users into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card details, or personal data. Phishing links often masquerade as enticing offers or urgent notifications.

The study found that users in the United States are particularly targeted, accounting for 16.2% of the threats. However, other countries—such as France, Romania, the United Kingdom, and Germany—are also affected. Cybercriminals cast a wide net, exploiting language barriers and cultural differences to maximize their reach.

One prevalent scam involves promises of free Discord Nitro—a premium subscription service. Users receive messages claiming they’ve won a free upgrade to Discord Nitro, enticing them to click on a link. Unfortunately, these links lead to phishing sites or initiate malware downloads. Users must exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of such offers.

As a Discord user, here are essential steps to safeguard against these threats: