Facebook Messenger "mined", new cryptocurrency mining robot Digmine begins to spread around the world

Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a new type of malware that is spreading around the world via the Facebook Messenger app.

Several cyber defense experts report that they have discovered a new cryptocurrency-mining malware that spreads through Facebook Messenger, which they call Digmine. Like many similar exploits before it, this bot is using infected systems to mine Monero, one of hackers' favorite cryptocurrencies.

Digmine was first discovered in South Korea, but has now been found in Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and Venezuela. The bot is spreading rapidly, using hijacked systems to infect more computers, like a virus, so it is expected to spread to other countries. Although the researchers did not mention it, the fact that it was first discovered in the country suggests that its most likely origin is North Korea.

From Facebook Messenger to Google Chrome

Digmine is sent to victims disguised as a video file link, but it is actually an executable script. Digmine affects the desktop and web versions of Facebook Messenger through the Google Chrome browser. Once Digmine controls Chrome, it will use the browser to download additional tools to carry out illegal mining activities.

Furthermore, if the user's Facebook account is set to automatically log in, Digmine will hijack Messenger and send this file to the friends of this account. The researchers explained that Facebook's use is currently limited to spreading malware, but "it is not impossible for an attacker to hijack the Facebook account itself."

The researchers shared their findings with Facebook, which has since removed many of the links to Digmine from its messenger app. Facebook said, "We maintain a number of automated systems that help block harmful links and files from appearing on Facebook and Messenger. If we suspect your computer is infected with malware, we'll offer you a free anti-virus scan from one of our trusted partners."