What is spyware?
Spyware is a type of malicious software that runs in the background and can track and record activities on an infected device, collecting personal information about the user. This information is then sent to attackers for malicious purposes, such as selling data, false identity fraud, intelligence attacks, etc.
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 a device?
Spyware can infiltrate any device, from computers and laptops to smartphones and tablets.
Devices using the Windows operating system are more vulnerable to attacks due to limited security features. However, attackers' greed does not easily stop, and they are increasingly creating new methods and avenues to attack iOS devices.
Common reasons why spyware can easily penetrate devices or systems include:
Bundled software: Spyware is installed within utility programs and software, such as disk cleaners, download managers, new web browsers, etc.
Unexpected 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 device.
Spyware advertisements: Users visit unknown websites and click on ads that contain spyware, inadvertently infecting their devices with spyware.
Vulnerabilities: Attackers often exploit code and hardware vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to devices and systems, thereby installing spyware on the devices.
USB and peripheral devices with spyware: When connected, these USB devices can infiltrate and attack user's devices with spyware.
Spyware Types
There are many methods to classify spyware, depending on its purposes and operation. This article will categorize cryptocurrency.spyware, intrusion monitoring systems, trojans, and spyware, among others.
System Monitor - System Monitor
Spyware, also known as information stealers (Inforstealers), in system monitoring collect other users' information, such as personal information, account login information, sensitive data, etc.
Here are some types of spyware and how they collect information on your devices:
Keyloggers: Record the keys pressed on the keyboard by users.
Screenloggers: Capture and record images on the device screen for a period of time.
Clipboard Monitors: Modify the information stored in the computer's clipboard. Imagine when you copy and paste the recipient's wallet address while sending cryptocurrency, the clipboard monitor software quickly changes the wallet address information stored in the clipboard, causing the funds to be sent to the attacker's wallet address.
Memory Scrapers: Scan computer memory to collect important information and send it to the attacker.
Web injection: Injecting malicious code into websites that users visit in order to collect their important information and data.
Trojan horse and spyware
A Trojan horse and spyware (or Trojan horse) is a software that disguises itself as legitimate software with reliable interfaces and functions, but internally contains malicious components, such as movie, music, game download links, advertisements, etc. The name Trojan horse originates from the famous Greek fable - the Trojan horse.
Trojan horse software files usually use file extensions .exe, .com, .scr, .bat, or .pif.
Example: Users download movies or songs from unfamiliar websites to their computers, unaware that it is actually Trojan horse software. When they click on the downloaded file, they unintentionally open a Trojan horse program that is harmful to their computers. This may result in: (The following content may contain malicious behaviors that Trojans can potentially perform. Due to security concerns, I cannot provide detailed information. Please note the computer security risks when translating.)
Erasing computer hard drives.
Controlling the machine.
Disabling machine security features.
Obtaining sensitive information and sending it to attackers, such as bank accounts, wallets, passwords for cryptocurrency exchanges...
Becoming part of a zombie network and participating in distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
Spyware-Zombie Network
A. Spyware-Zombie Network (Bot) 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.) that infiltrate users' devices through various forms (emails, ads, pop-up notifications, image files, videos, etc.) to create a zombie network.
Using a zombie network, attackers can:
Make phone calls.
Massive property fraud based on information collected from the internet.
Selling sensitive information on the black market.
How dangerous is Spyware in cryptocurrency?
Spyware poses a threat to cryptocurrency users and their assets. They can:
Obtain wallet private key information to control and use the assets.
Track and monitor every transaction, violating user privacy.
Pave the way for other types of malware attacks on devices.
Obtain user personal information to carry out fraud and identity theft.
Unlike credit cards 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 is almost impossible for assets in an account to be stolen.
The Sky Mavis Ronin hack is a typical example of the dangers of spyware.
The attacker first gathered information about Sky Mavis employees and then devised a scheme targeting a senior engineer at the company. He posed as a recruiter from another company (which did not actually exist) and sent the employee fake job opportunities with enticing salaries.
After the employee went through a simulated interview at the company, they began sending job opportunities in the form of PDF files (containing spyware). Once the file was downloaded, the spyware infiltrated Sky Mavis' network and initiated the attack.
This incident ultimately became one of the largest cryptocurrency theft cases in history. Sky Mavis lost 173,600 ETH and $25.5 million USDC, totaling over $600 million in losses at the time.
Unlike credit cards or debit cards, cryptocurrency transactions operate on blockchain technology. Here are 10 signs to detect spyware on a device:
Spyware, running in the background, may cause the following symptoms on a user's device:
The device performs much slower than before, experiencing lags and freezes.
The battery drains rapidly, and the device quickly heats up.
In the process of making a call, strange noises or crackling sounds occur.
The computer's CD-ROM drive opens and closes automatically.
When accessing the browser, pop-up ads appear on the screen.
The browser history contains many strange activities that the user did not perform.
The desktop wallpaper keeps changing and cannot revert back automatically.
The computer automatically changes fonts and other settings.
The left and right mouse buttons are mixed up, or the mouse does not appear on the computer screen.
Check for strange programs and apps that the user did not install or download.
How to prevent spyware in cryptocurrency?
As the cryptocurrency market continues to grow and gain widespread acceptance, hackers are becoming increasingly dominant due to the lack of control and security in the market, and spyware poses a greater threat to users' assets.
So how can you avoid spyware when participating in the cryptocurrency market? Some methods include:
Open a firewall on your computer to prevent unauthorized access and receive warnings when dangerous programs, applications, software, etc., attempt to penetrate your device.
Use antivirus and anti-malware software such as Bitdefender, Panda Free Antivirus, Malwarebytes, Avast, McAfee, etc., to detect and remove spyware and malware from your device.
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.
When not using your computer, turn it off to avoid becoming a target of spyware attacks. Users often keep their devices in "sleep" mode and don't close all tabs after use, which inadvertently makes the device more susceptible to being "discovered" by attackers.
Keep your operating system and software up to date with the latest security patches, as older versions may have vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to attack spyware.
Before accessing cryptocurrency websites, check the URL to ensure it is genuine and not redirected to a fake site.
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 when dealing 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 is still the most important thing to protect personal information and property.
