While Alex edited his PDF, the malware scanned his Chrome folder, exporting every saved password and browser cookie to a server in another country. The Payover:
Here is a short story about what usually happens when someone clicks that link: The "Free" Software Trap
A small window with 8-bit music and a "Generate" button. He clicked it, got a code, and the software seemed to install. Success! What actually happened: The Stealth Drop:
Two days later, Alex was locked out of his email. His social media started posting crypto scams, and his bank flagged three unauthorized transfers.