Discord’s Decisive Shift: Temporary File Links to Thwart Malware Spread

Discord has unveiled a pivotal security update aimed at combating the proliferation of malicious software across its platform. By the year’s end, Discord will transition to employing temporary file links for all user-uploaded files. This move is part of a broader initiative to prevent the misuse of Discord’s content delivery network (CDN) as a hosting and distribution channel for malevolent software.

Discord officials informed BleepingComputer that the implementation of temporary URLs will enhance user security by facilitating controlled access to potentially hazardous content. Consequently, file links will now remain valid for 24 hours, necessitating renewal thereafter.

Discord’s previous system allowed users to create permanent file links, which malefactors exploited for the enduring storage and dissemination of malicious code. With the forthcoming regulations, such persistent links will be abolished, significantly thwarting the efforts of cybercriminals.

These innovations will also touch developers who utilize Discord’s API to integrate the service into their applications. They will encounter minimal changes; nevertheless, Discord has assured that its representatives will work closely with the community to ensure a smooth transition.

According to cybersecurity firm Trellix, hackers have utilized Discord’s CDN to distribute malevolent software, including information stealers like RedLine Stealer, Vidar, and AgentTesla, designed to filch sensitive data, including credentials and cryptocurrency. The files are camouflaged as innocuous applications and delivered to the victim’s computer from the trusted domain cdn.discordapp.com, thereby circumventing antivirus defenses.

The Discord community can anticipate more detailed information on the impending changes in the forthcoming weeks, as the company is committed to transparently communicating about the upcoming updates and their impact on the user experience.