title: Cyberattacks Surge in Crypto Industry, Targeting Finance, Healthcare, and Government
The crypto industry is facing a surge in cyberattacks targeting various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and government. BlackBerry, the cybersecurity subsidiary of a renowned smartphone giant, has identified several malware groups involved in these crypto exploits. In a recent report, BlackBerry highlighted the increasing activities of cybercriminals and the top sectors being targeted.
One significant campaign observed between March and May this year was successful in preventing over 1.5 million cyberattacks on crypto transactions. The finance, healthcare, and government sectors have become the primary focus for these malicious activities. Criminals are employing various strategies to carry out their attacks and exploit vulnerabilities.
One of the most prominent financial threats employed by criminals is a commodity malware known as Redline. This malware is specifically designed to gather information related to cryptocurrencies and banks. Another variant of the CryptoMix ransomware family, called Clop ransomware, has been utilized in infiltrating Hatch Bank, a fintech banking platform.
BlackBerry’s report also identified the dominant malware families used in these cybercrimes, including SmokwLaoder, RaccoonStealer (also known as RecordBreaker), and Vidar. SmokeLoader, a long-standing rogue financial tool since 2011, has been utilized by Russian-based threat actors to load crypto miners and other malware. RaccoonStealer, available on the dark web, primarily targets crypto wallet data. Vidar, on the other hand, is commonly used to harvest crypto asset wallets.
With regards to operating systems, Linux has become a prime target for cyber criminals. BlackBerry advises organizations and businesses using Linux systems to prioritize security by regularly applying security patches. Criminals often target Linux to hijack and extract valuable computer information for cryptocurrency mining. Meanwhile, a new form of information stealer called Atomic macOS is now targeting macOS users, harvesting credentials from browsers, keychains, and crypto wallets.
To address the escalating threats from cybercrimes targeting financial institutions and crypto assets, OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT and Dall-e, has announced a $1 million cybersecurity grant. This grant aims to monitor and promote the impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cybersecurity technologies. OpenAI emphasizes the importance of AI regulation to mitigate risks associated with potentially malicious applications, taking proactive measures to control their proliferation.
OpenAI is dedicated to assessing the efficiency of AI models and exploring methods to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities. By doing so, they aim to contribute to safer technological advancements and protect individuals and organizations from cyber threats.
As cyberattacks continue to rise in the crypto industry, it is crucial for businesses and individuals to remain vigilant and prioritize cybersecurity measures. Staying informed about the latest threat trends and adopting robust security practices will play a vital role in safeguarding sensitive information and mitigating the risks associated with these attacks.
