🔐 The HTTPS Illusion: Why "Secure" Doesn't Mean Safe

   "Important document for you: hxxps[://]oaqdlqnm[.]org/klmWi (Defang URL)"

While the HTTPS padlock might suggest safety, here's why this was still dangerous:

🔍 Technical Breakdown

1. HTTPS ≠ Legitimacy

• The site had a valid SSL certificate (from Let's Encrypt)

• But certificates are free and easy to get - scammers use them too

• Key Insight: HTTPS only encrypts traffic, doesn't verify content

2. Domain Analysis

•  oaqdlqnm.org:

  • Registered hours before the message was sent

  • Random letter sequence (common with malware)

  • No legitimate web content

3. Redirect Chain

1. Initial HTTPS link →hxxps[://]oaqdlqnm[.]org/klmWi  (Defang URL)

2. Redi rect → Legitimate WhatsApp group invite

3. Group name: "Official Support Channel" (impersonation)

🛡️ Protective Measures I Took

1. Safe Investigation Tools

• VirusTotal URL Scan: 6/92 engines flagged as malicious

• URLScan.io: Revealed 3 redirect hops before WhatsApp

• Browserling: Viewed site safely in virtual browser

2. Critical Findings

• The HTTPS site contained:

  • Click-tracking scripts

  • Browser fingerprinting code

  • A delayed redirect (3 seconds to evade scans)

3. Network Analysis

bash

"curl -I https://oaqdlqnm.org/klmWi"

Response:

Date: Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:12:57 GMT
Location: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JF52z9mYpJ13dT7VULgM9H
Referrer-Policy: unsafe-url
Server: Caddy
Status: 308 Permanent Redirect
X-Content-Type-Options: nosniff

🚨 Modern Scam Tactics Revealed

1. HTTPS as Social Proof - Tricks users into trusting the link

2. Multi-stage Filtering:

   • First page filters out security-savvy users

   • Only engaged victims reach the WhatsApp group

3. Infrastructure Cycling:

   • Domain active for just 48 hours

   • New domains rotated weekly

💡 Security Takeaways

• HTTPS is now standard - even for malicious sites

• Check domain registration date (new = higher risk)

• Look beyond the padlock - Scammers weaponize trust indicators

• Use intermediary scanners before visiting unknown links

Remember: Looks can deceive. The safest-seeming link is often the deadliest. Think before you click.