New malware putting cryptocurrency wallets at risk
The term malware means “malicious software”, computer viruses that are subtle or not at all ethereal at the time of an attack.
Malware is usually quite harmful and invasive , therefore it interferes and stops normal functions where it develops.
It is important to note that malware is usually used to illegally withdraw money, deleting or altering relevant data. As well as spy on the target device without the consent or knowledge of the person using it.
This has given a lot to talk about lately since a new quite alarming malware has been detected. One capable of attacking and compromising the cyber architecture of cryptocurrency wallets.
Connection between cryptocurrencies and malware
The digital world is getting bigger and bigger, and the modality of cryptocurrencies does not go unnoticed; virtual money of great value.
Paradoxically, the further the widespread adoption of crypto assets advances, the more the world of virtual scammers grows. Or, failing that, malicious programs that seek to steal them.
All this has been given the name of “cryptojacking” (malicious mining of cryptocurrencies).
It is usually carried out by people who commit illegal acts virtually, that is, thieves or computer criminals. All through different types of computer viruses such as adware, ransonware or the current Mars Stealer.
Mars Stealer: How Dangerous Is It?
This malware is a recently emerged threat, and it has been spreading rapidly. According to official sources, it is capable of copying or stealing the credentials of virtual wallets, focused on the protection and exchange of cryptocurrencies.
The Mars Stealer spreads easily through websites in a camouflaged manner. Its method is quite different from that of many others, because in addition to going unnoticed easily, it adds other dangerous qualities.
It is capable of stealing and storing high-value personal information such as passwords, browsing history, cookies, among others. As if that were not enough, it analyzes the user's IP and detects the type of hardware that is handled as such.
Measurement in the world of cryptocurrencies
It has sparked a sense of concern for as many as 40 cryptocurrency wallets in total. Among them, without a doubt the one that has suffered the most consequences or warnings from this malware is MetaMask. Among others, it is possible to mention Ronin Wallet or Coinbase Wallet.
Interestingly, Mars Stealer is found on the dark web for $140, creating a threat to people who have cryptocurrency in their wallets . Those who are in charge of cheating and scamming by means of this malware usually do it with beginners.
Usually, they tend to fall more easily. However, even the most experienced people have been affected.
What to do to protect my devices from viruses like Mars Stealer?
Mainly avoiding any download to websites, links or applications from dubious sources, as well as being careful of strange emails or messages. Similarly, be alert to the permissions granted to each application even if it appears to be legitimate.
Keep having the operating system always updated. Likewise, soak up information regarding pages that are visited or applications that you want to download.
It is also advisable to install an antivirus, as long as it is trusted and certified, without centralized methods for downloading applications.
Finally, it is important to make backup copies of the device and operating system, thus avoiding the loss of important files.
How to detect malware on any of my devices?
The way in which malware acts varies depending on the type. Therefore, each class of malware uses different techniques, for example, pretending to be a normal application. Given this, there are signs that indicate the existence of malware.
A quite striking feature is that the computer, browser and even local applications reduce their standard speed. That is to say, that in general it begins to be slow and heavy.
Another frequent peculiarity is the rain of advertising that should not be shown. Ads coming out of nowhere are a sign of possible malware. A clear example of this is messages or news about winning a prize.
The computer screen can take on a blue hue BSOD ( Blue Screen of Death ), prostrating itself when there is a serious error. At the same time, the disk begins to show little space in a mysterious way, in the case of malware hidden on the hard disk.
The browser home page changes to an unusual look. On the other hand, the browser begins to fill up with toolbars never seen or used before, among other small details.
Malware may be able to hide deep within the device. Capacity that it adopts while stealing files, passwords and everything considered relevant ; reaching to expand in other linked teams.
Errors that promote the inadvertent installation of malware
It occurs when browsing internet sites that are considered pirates. Whether on game pages, movies, downloading music, installing new software, or some unusual email.
Normally, it can be placed from any website, since they are basically connected to the internet all the time.
In another order of ideas, they are disguised as applications in the Play Store, that, at first glance, seem legitimate and in reality they are not. Of course, it mostly happens if they are installed from unreliable download links or APK files.
Additionally, it is very important to pay attention to the permissions required by certain applications or downloaded programs or websites that are accessed. If you allow too many, the risk is greater.
Today there are different types of malware
Adware: one that places advertisements on the screen, pretending to be something legitimate, tricking the user and installing itself. Practically, it occurs in some browser; most likely in the one that is most frequented by the user in such a case.
Spyware: observes or spies on all the user's movements, that is, it keeps watching what they do on their computer or device. In short, it seems that it is responsible for informing the author of the malicious program.
Worms : They can spread and launch computer attacks, as well as create some kind of “spam”. This in order to spread to various computers on the same network, causing damage to data and files.
Trojan: Extremely dangerous, as it disguises itself as something subtle and insignificant in order to deceive the user and ultimately affect them. Which, after the fact, opens the doors to the theft of quite important information such as passwords, financial information, etc.
Ransomware: causes the user to be blocked from entering, preventing access to the device or its files. The favorite of those who commit virtual crimes; demands high and fast payments; feasible for cryptocurrency theft, since it is difficult to trace.
Computer virus: affects the normal functions or activities of the device, it can spread affecting and infecting the equipment or equipment.