In an impressive feat of crypto cyber defense, BlackBerry’s cybersecurity arm has intercepted and foiled over 1.5 million cyberattacks between March and May.
The attacks aimed explicitly at infiltrating cryptocurrency mining and theft of computer systems. The financial, healthcare, and government sectors are under constant attack, making them the primary targets for these cybercrimes. One of the most persistent threats is the RedLine malware, which focuses on harvesting cryptocurrency and banking data in the financial domain.
Clop, a variant of the notorious CryptoMix ransomware family, has relentlessly targeted banking and financial institutions, recently causing a data breach at the fintech banking platform Hatch Bank.
Blackberry’s Report Exposes Crypto Cyberthreats
BlackBerry’s comprehensive report on cyber threats highlights several prominent malware families. SmokeLoader, an old financial tool turned rogue, has become a favorite tool for Russian-based threat actors who utilize it to deploy crypto miners and other malicious software.
The infamous RaccoonStealer, available for purchase on the dark web, specializes in stealing cryptocurrency wallet data. Meanwhile, Vidar is actively harvesting cryptocurrency wallets, posing a significant risk to individuals and businesses.
Among vulnerable operating systems, Linux has become the primary target. BlackBerry strongly advises organizations to apply security patches regularly to prevent hackers from hijacking computer resources for cryptocurrency mining. Additionally, macOS users face a new threat: Atomic macOS, an info stealer capable of targeting credentials stored in keychains, browsers, and crypto-wallets.
Taking a proactive stance against cyber threats, OpenAI, the visionary creator of ChatGPT and Dall-e, has announced a groundbreaking $1 million cybersecurity grant program. The program aims to boost the development and effectiveness of AI-driven cybersecurity technologies. OpenAI’s ambitious goal is to empower defenders with advanced AI-powered cybersecurity tools through grants and additional support.
Recent findings have revealed a new and dangerous macOS malware tool allowing threat actors to control macOS systems secretly. The tool, called Hidden Virtual Network Computing (HVNC), was introduced in April 2023 and offers a reverse shell and remote file manager, all while remaining hidden from the user. The tool is also scheduled to receive a sinister update in July 2023; a $100,000 deposit is required to develop it.
Amidst the escalating cyber landscape, a solid call to action resonates, urging Small Business Owners and Managed Service Providers to remain vigilant. The key to safeguarding their systems lies in staying well-informed about the latest iterations of malicious software and protecting against vulnerabilities and exploitation. By fostering robust connections with the cybersecurity community, organizations can bolster their defenses against the ever-changing threat landscape, thus preserving the integrity and safety of their invaluable data.