Kaspersky: New malware can infect personal computers to mine cryptocurrencies

A new type of malware has emerged. What’s unique about this new malware is that it mines cryptocurrency on the victim’s computer.

New malware

Most hackers who use malware do so to steal sensitive data or obtain important account information, but this new type of malware has a completely different goal. Kaspersky Lab, a well-known Russian security company, recently discovered a new type of malware that can sneak into personal computers and mine digital currencies. Kaspersky reportedly believes that this malware is spread through malicious forms such as social engineering and adware. The cybersecurity company estimates that 4,000 to 5,000 computers have been affected by this malware.

The company explained:

According to analysts, hackers can earn $30,000 per month from their own mining networks.

Kaspersky estimates that the malware network itself has earned more than $209,000, mostly by mining anonymous cryptocurrencies such as Zcash and Monero. The security company added that it is difficult for ordinary users to track this particular type of malware because they may not know or realize that their computers have been compromised.

Botnet

A similar phenomenon occurred in May this year. At that time, researchers discovered a botnet called "BondNet botnet". Apparently, this botnet consists of more than 15,000 machines, stealing computer computing power to mine the anonymous cryptocurrency Monero. Israeli cybersecurity company GuardiCore said that the main victims of this botnet are well-known international companies, universities, city councils and other public institutions.

Researchers believe that the operators of Bond007.01 are from China because the code copied and pasted by the network comes from Chinese websites. Hackers exploited a vulnerability in MySQL (database management system) and installed a remote access Trojan and cryptocurrency mining software.

The report shows that the number of new machines added to the botnet reaches 500 per day. Experts believe that this is due to the weak security awareness of users.