Why does this type of cryptocurrency mining software continue to pose such a significant risk? The problems with crypto mining malware have once more been identified as key risks to cryptocurrencies. expansion by Check Point According to top cybersecurity experts, Smoke Loader ranks among the leading threats in crypto malware today, despite being created over a decade ago in 2011.
What’s the Deal with Smoke Loader?
Smoke Loader's core mission involves being a secondary installer for malware such as Trojans, TrickBot, and Panda Banker. With the rise of digital currencies, experts at Check Point highlight crypto-jacking and mining malware as significant concerns for the sector.
Hot on the heels of the firm's latest publication most recent analysis report , Maya Horowitz, who manages the threat intelligence and research team, shared her insights:
\"Our findings for December marked the first time Smoke Loader entered the top ten list. Its rapid growth underscores a worrying shift towards versatile, damaging malware that occupies the Global Threat Index, evenly split between crypto miners and malware that propagate multiple harmful threats.\"
Other Generals in the Malware War
The latest report also sheds light on various other notorious malicious software include Coinhive , a fact that shouldn't surprise those familiar with the cryptocurrency scene of late. Coinhive is perhaps the most notorious malware, found even on major platforms like Google. It discreetly mines the anonymous crypto Monero using the victim’s system resources, boosting their bills while making secret profits.
Other significant mentions in the report are Jsecoin, a JavaScript-based miner that operates directly in browsers, and Cryptoloot, whose very name suggests its motive of pilfering others' cryptocurrency. Competing directly with Coinhive, it was the second-most cited malicious software platform last November.
The Battle Rages On
Additionally, malware networks such as Emotet and Ramnit engineer banking Trojans, thus securing top positions in recent company reports. Researchers note that such malware is prevalent on mobile devices in addition to traditional desktops, complicating efforts to track it.
Mobile threats like Triada and Guerrilla Android are among the leading menaces, often stealthily integrating onto unknowing users’ phones through nefarious ads. Another significant threat is Lotoor, which exploits Android systems once it gains root access.
Horowitz explains:
\"The wide range of malware reflected in the Index shows the urgency for businesses to deploy robust, layered cybersecurity measures that guard against both established malware and emerging threats.\"
Doesn’t This Look Familiar?
Both crypto-jacking and mining threats are arcs that Blockonomi has dedicated extensive coverage to recently. Among the noteworthy instances is one involving malware hidden within Windows setup files. Coinminer, another Monero mining challenge akin to Coinhive, was unveiled by Trend Micro's cybersecurity team.
A detailed report on the issue revealed:
\"It is distributed on victims' systems as a Windows installer MSI file, which raises concern due to Windows Installers being legitimate tools for deploying software, making them appear less suspicious and potentially allowing evasion of certain security checks.\"
In addition, several cases have been monitored Reports allege that North Korea has been actively introducing crypto-jacking malware into neighboring South Korea's systems. Information from Group-1B and Recorded Future attributes around five crypto-jacking attempts in South Korea over the past year to North Korea's hacking unit, \"Lazarus.\"
