New Malware Targeting Apple PCs To Steal, Mine Cryptos

| Publish date: 02/03/2019
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Just recently, experts were able to discover a new malware. Basically, it is capable of stealing browser cookies and other significant information directly on the victim’s Apple Mac computers. But the primarily goal, however, is to steal cryptocurrencies.

Introducing the CookieMiner

According to researchers at the cybersecurity company called Palo Alto Networks, the malware is called “CookieMiner.” It is capable of intercepting browser cookies, particularly the ones that are related to digital currency exchanges and wallet service providers’ websites. On a published report from the firm, the malware preys on these sites after getting visited by the victims.

The malicious code is targeting a lot of exchanges across the world. This includes, but not limited to, Bittrex, Binance, Bitstamp, Coinbase, Poloniex, and MyEtherWallet. Apparently, it is also lurking around websites that contain “blockchain” in their domain name. This was later confirmed by the researchers after performing more data gathering and investigation.

Moreover, the malware is fond of stealing credit card information from major providers such as American Express, Discover, Master Card, and Visa. It also tries to save usernames and passwords in Google Chrome. Even iPhone text messages or the ones backed to iTunes and/or crypto wallet keys can be affected.

If a hacker is using this method, the researchers believe the process will be quick. And if successful at stealing all aforementioned details, he can immediately gain full access of the victim’s digital currency exchange and wallet accounts in order to steal funds.

According to the above-mentioned company, CookieMiner is all about navigating past the authentication process. This is a process done by combining a certain combination of login details, text messages, and even web cookies.

Leaving Crypto Mining Software

Apparently, it has another trick to offer. It tends to change a victim’s system configuration, so it can maliciously load and run crypto mining software. The coinminer can be likened to a variant specifically built for mining Monero, but it instead targets a lesser-known digital currency called Koto.

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The cybersecurity company said that users must keep a close eye on their security settings, especially their digital assets. Otherwise, they will not be able to prevent compromise and leakage. The researchers also noted that the malware often checks if an application firewall program is running on the computer. This program is none other than Little Snitch.

Monero is without a doubt among the most popular currencies among hackers. In fact, a study from last month said that at least 5 percent of hackers across the world were able to hack the digital currency.

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