Author: BTC_Chopsticks
What is spyware?
Spyware is a type of malicious software that runs in the background and can track and record activities on infected devices, collecting personal information about users. This information is then sent to attackers for malicious purposes such as selling data, false identity fraud, and intelligence attacks.
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In the cryptocurrency market, hackers often use spyware to infiltrate computers, smartphones, and other devices to obtain private keys, login information, etc., in order to steal user assets.
How does spyware enter devices?
Spyware can penetrate any device, from computers and laptops to smartphones and tablets.
Devices using the Windows operating system are usually more vulnerable to attacks due to limited security features. However, attackers are greedy and constantly creating new methods and avenues to attack iOS devices.
Common reasons why spyware can easily penetrate devices or systems include:
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Bundled software: Spyware is installed in utilities and software such as disk cleaners, download managers, new web browsers, etc.
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Weird emails: Spyware can spread through phishing emails that contain strange files and links. When users open the files or click on the links in the email, spyware enters their devices.
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Spyware ads: Users visit unknown websites and click on ads that contain spyware, unintentionally infecting their devices.
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Security vulnerabilities: Attackers often exploit code and hardware vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to devices and systems, installing spyware on the devices.
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USB and peripheral devices with spyware: When users connect these USB devices, their devices may also be infiltrated and attacked by spyware.
Types of spyware
There are many ways to classify spyware, depending on its purpose and method of operation. This article will categorize cryptocurrency spyware, intrusion monitoring systems, Trojan horses, and spyware.
System monitors – System monitors
Spyware, also known as information stealers (Inforstealers), monitor systems and primarily collect information from other users, such as personal information, account login information, sensitive information, etc.
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Here are some types of spyware and how they collect information on your device:
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Keyloggers: Record the keys pressed on the keyboard by the user.
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Screenloggers: Capture and record images on the device’s screen for a period of time.
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Clipboard monitors: Modify the information stored in the clipboard on the computer. Imagine when you send cryptocurrency and copy and paste the recipient’s wallet address, the address is quickly stored in the clipboard. At this time, the clipboard monitoring software quickly changes the wallet address information, causing the funds to be sent to the attacker’s wallet address.
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Memory scrapers: Scan computer memory to retrieve important information and send it to attackers.
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Web injection: Inject malicious code into websites visited by users, and then collect their important information and data.
Trojan Horses and Spyware
Trojan horses and spyware (or Trojans) are counterfeit software that have a reliable interface and functionality, but contain malicious components internally, such as movie, song, game download links, advertisements, etc. The name Trojan horse comes from the famous Greek fable – the Trojan Horse.
Trojan horse software files usually use the extensions .exe, .com, .scr, .bat, or .pif.
Example: Users download movies or songs to their computers from unfamiliar websites, but they don’t know that it is actually Trojan horse software. When they click on the downloaded file, they inadvertently open a Trojan program that is harmful to the computer. This could be: (The following content may be malicious behavior that the Trojan may produce. Due to security issues, I cannot provide detailed information. Please pay attention to computer security risks when translating.)
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Wiping the computer hard drive.
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Taking control of the machine.
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Disabling security features of the machine.
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Gaining sensitive information and sending it to attackers, such as bank account, wallet, cryptocurrency exchange passwords, etc.
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Becoming part of a botnet and participating in distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
Spyware – Botnets
A. Spyware botnet is a network composed of many devices infected with spyware, which are remotely controlled through public remote servers. Attackers can create spyware (Trojans, keyloggers, screen recorders, etc.) to penetrate user devices through various forms (emails, advertisements, pop-up notifications, image files, videos, etc.) and create botnets.
Through botnets, attackers can:
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Make phone calls.
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Engage in large-scale property fraud based on information collected from the network.
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Sell sensitive information on the black market.
How Dangerous is Spyware in Cryptocurrency?
Spyware poses a threat to the assets of cryptocurrency users, as they can:
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Obtain wallet private key information to control and use the assets.
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Monitor and track every transaction, violating user privacy.
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Pave the way for other types of malicious software attacks on devices.
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Obtain user personal information to carry out fraud and identity theft.
Unlike credit or debit cards, cryptocurrency transactions are based on blockchain technology. Once a transaction is completed, it is written into a block and cannot be reversed. It cannot be rolled back, and the assets in the account are almost impossible to be stolen.
The Sky Mavis Ronin hack is a typical example of the dangers of spyware.
The attackers first collected information about Sky Mavis employees, and then designed a scam targeting a senior engineer of the company. They pretended to be recruiters from another company (which actually does not exist) and sent the employees false job opportunities and attractive salaries.
After the employee went through the company’s mock interview, they started sending job opportunities in the form of PDF files (containing spyware). Once the file was downloaded, the spyware infiltrated Sky Mavis’ network and initiated an attack.
This incident eventually became one of the largest cryptocurrency theft cases in history. Sky Mavis lost 173,600 ETH and 25.5 million USDC, resulting in a total loss of over 600 million USD.
Unlike credit or debit cards, cryptocurrency transactions operate on blockchain technology. Here are 10 signs to detect spyware on your device:
Spyware. Running in the background, it may cause the following symptoms on the user’s device:
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The device’s performance is much slower than before, experiencing lag and stuttering during use.
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The battery drains rapidly, and the device temperature quickly rises.
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Strange noises or crackling sounds during phone calls.
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The CD-ROM drive on the computer opens and closes automatically.
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Pop-up ads appear on the screen when accessing the browser.
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The browser history contains numerous strange activities that the user did not perform.
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The desktop wallpaper keeps changing and cannot be restored automatically.
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The computer automatically changes fonts and other settings.
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The mouse buttons are mixed up, or the mouse does not appear on the computer screen.
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Check for strange programs and applications that the user did not install or download.
How to prevent spyware in cryptocurrency?
As the cryptocurrency market continues to develop and gain widespread acceptance, hackers are becoming increasingly dominant due to the lack of control and security in the market, posing a greater threat to users’ assets.
So, how can we avoid spyware when participating in the cryptocurrency market? Some methods include:
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Open the firewall on your computer to prevent unauthorized access and receive warnings when dangerous programs, applications, or software attempt to penetrate the device.
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Use antivirus and anti-malware software such as Bitdefender, LianGuainda Free Antivirus, Malwarebytes, Avast, McAfee, etc., to detect and remove spyware and malicious software from your device.
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Use two-factor authentication (2FA) and password management applications such as Dashlane, Sticky Password, LastPass, Password Boss, etc., to enhance security and prevent attackers from accessing your cryptocurrency accounts.
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When not using your computer, shut it down to avoid becoming a target of spyware attacks. Users often keep their devices in sleep mode and do not close all tabs after use, inadvertently making the device more susceptible to being “discovered” by attackers.
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Keep your operating system and software up to date with the latest security patches. Older versions may have vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to attack spyware.
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Before accessing a cryptocurrency website, check the URL to ensure it is genuine and not redirected to a fake site.
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Be cautious when downloading software, files, or clicking on unfamiliar links. Only download from trusted sources, such as the official website of the software provider. Exercise caution with third-party free downloads and carefully read before opening emails or clicking on unfamiliar links.
Conclusion
The above measures will help users reduce the risk of spyware attacks when participating in the cryptocurrency market. However, maintaining a vigilant and cautious mindset in all actions remains the most important thing to protect personal information and assets.
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