Explain in detail how malware Spyware became a common tool for encryption hackers?

Author: BTC_Chopsticks

What is spyware?

Spyware is a type of malware that runs in the background and is programmed to track and record activity on an infected device and collect personal information about the user. This information is then sent to attackers for bad purposes such as selling data, false identity fraud, intelligence attacks, etc.

In the cryptocurrency market, hackers often use #Spyware to sneak into computers, mobile phones and other devices to obtain private keys, login information, etc., thereby stealing user assets.

How does spyware enter the device?

Spyware can infiltrate any device, from computers and laptops to mobile phones and tablets.

Devices using the Windows operating system are generally more vulnerable due to limited security features. However, the greed of attackers does not stop easily and they are increasingly creating new methods and ways to attack iOS devices.

Some common reasons spyware can easily infiltrate a device or system include:

Bundled software: Spyware is installed inside utilities and software, such as hard drive cleaning tools, download managers, new web browsers, and more.

Weird emails: Spyware can be spread through phishing emails that contain strange files and links. When users open files or click links in emails, spyware gets onto their devices.

Spyware ads: Users visit unknown websites and click on ads containing spyware, inadvertently infecting their devices with spyware.

Security breaches: Attackers often exploit code and hardware vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to devices and #systems, thereby installing #spyware on devices.

USB and Peripherals with Spyware: When these USBs are connected, user's devices can also be infiltrated and hacked by #spyware.

spyware type

There are many ways to classify spyware, depending on its purpose and how it works. This article will divide cryptocurrency.spyware, intrusion monitoring system, Trojan horse, spyware, etc.

System Monitor - System Monitor

Spyware, stealers in the monitoring system can also be called information stealers (Inforstealers), mainly collecting information of other users, such as personal information, account login information, sensitive information, etc.

The following are some types of .spyware. and how they collect information on your device:

Keylogger: Records the keys pressed by the user on the keyboard.

Screen recorder (Sreenlogger): captures and records images on the device screen for a period of time.

Clipboard Monitor: For the computer's clipboard, change the information stored in it. Imagine when you send cryptocurrency and copy-paste the recipient's wallet address, which is quickly stored on the clipboard, at which point the clipboard monitor software quickly changes the wallet address information, causing the funds to be sent to the attacker wallet address.

Memory Scraper: Scans computer memory for important information and sends it to attackers.

Web injection (Web Inject): Inject malicious code into websites that users visit, and then collect their important information and data.

Trojan horses and spyware

Trojan horses and spyware (or Trojan horses) are fake software that has a reliable interface and functionality, but contains malicious components inside such as movies, songs, game download links, advertisements, etc. The name of the Trojan horse comes from the famous Greek fable - the Trojan horse.

Trojan horse software files typically use the extension .exe, .com, .scr, .bat, or .pif.

Example: A user downloads a movie or song to their computer from an unfamiliar website, not knowing that it is actually Trojan horse software. When they click on the downloaded file, they accidentally open a Trojan horse program that is harmful to the computer. This may be: (The following content may be malicious behaviors that Trojan horses may produce. Due to security issues, I cannot provide detailed information. Please pay attention to computer security risks when translating.)

Wipe computer hard drive.

Control the machine.

Turn off the machine's security features.

Get sensitive information and send it to attackers like passwords for bank accounts, wallets, cryptocurrency exchanges...

Become part of a botnet and participate in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

Spyware - Botnet

A. A Spyware Botnet (Bot) is a network of many spyware-infected devices that are controlled remotely through a public remote server. An attacker can create. Spyware. (Trojan horses, keyloggers, screen recorders, etc.) infiltrate user devices through various forms (emails, advertisements, pop-up notifications, image files, videos, etc.) to create botnets.

and. Spyware Through botnets, attackers can:

Make a call.

Large-scale property fraud based on information gathered from the web.

Sell sensitive information on the black market.

How Dangerous is Spyware in Cryptocurrencies?

Spyware. A threat to the assets of cryptocurrency users who can:

Obtain wallet private key information to control and use assets.

Track and monitor every transaction, violating user privacy.

Paving the way for other types of malware to attack devices.

Obtain user personal information, implement fraud, and forge identities.

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. There is no way to roll back, and it is almost impossible for the assets in the account to be stolen.

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The attackers first collected information on Sky Mavis employees, then devised a scam targeting one of the company's senior engineers. He pretended to be a recruiter for another company (which didn't actually exist) and sent employees bogus job offers and attractive salaries.

After the employee passed the company's mock interview, he began sending out job offers as PDF files (containing spyware). Once the file was downloaded, the spyware infiltrated Sky Mavis' network and began its attack.

The incident ended up being one of the largest cryptocurrency thefts of all time. Sky Mavis lost 173,600 ETH and $25.5 million in USDC, for a total loss of more than $600 million at the time.

Unlike credit or debit cards, cryptocurrency transactions run on blockchain technology. Here are 10 signs of detecting spyware on your device:

Spyware. Running in the background, it may cause the following symptoms on the user's device:

Device performance is much slower than before, stuttering and frustrating during use.

The battery drains very quickly and the device heats up rapidly.

Strange sounds or popping noises occur during calls.

The computer's CD-ROM drive turns on and off automatically.

When accessing the browser, a pop-up advertisement appears on the screen.

Browser history contains many strange activities that are not performed by the user.

The desktop wallpaper is constantly being changed and cannot be automatically restored.

The computer changes fonts and other settings automatically.

The left and right mouse buttons are confused, or the mouse does not appear on the computer screen.

Check for strange programs and apps that users didn't install or download.

How to prevent spyware in cryptocurrency?

As the cryptocurrency market continues to grow and become widely accepted, hackers are becoming more and more dominant due to the lack of control and security in the market, and spyware has become a greater threat to users' property.

So how do you avoid spyware when participating in the cryptocurrency market? Some methods include:

Turn on the firewall on your computer to prevent unauthorized access and warn you when dangerous programs, apps, software, etc. are detected trying to infiltrate your device.

Use antivirus and antimalware software such as Bitdefender, Panda Free Antivirus, Malwarebytes, Avast, McAfee, etc. to detect and remove spyware and malware from your device.

Use 2-factor authentication (2FA) and password management apps like Dashlane, Sticky Password, LastPass, Password Boss Boss Boss Token is a community-driven DeFi cryptocurrency, want to be the boss of all Dogecoins! Three functions occur during the transaction: redistribution, LP acquisition, and deflationary burn. See more and more to enhance security and prevent attackers from accessing your cryptocurrency accounts.

Turn off your computer when you are not using it to avoid being the target of spyware attacks. Users are often in the habit of keeping their devices in "sleep" mode and not closing all tabs after use, which inadvertently makes the device more "discoverable" for attackers.

Keep operating systems and software up to date with the latest security patches. Because older versions may have vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to attack spyware.

Before visiting a cryptocurrency website, check the URL to make sure it is genuine and not redirected to a fake website.

Be careful when downloading software, files or clicking on unfamiliar links. Only download from trusted sources, such as the official website of the software provider, be cautious about free downloads from third parties, and read carefully before opening emails or clicking unfamiliar links.

in conclusion

The above measures will help users reduce the risk of spyware attacks when participating in the cryptocurrency market. But maintaining vigilance and prudence in all actions is still the most important thing to protect personal information and property.