According to a report by analytics and security firm Kaspersky, hackers have stolen around $400,000 worth of cryptocurrencies so far in 2023. To do this, they used the Clipper malware, which accesses the computer clipboard.
As stated in a press releaseResearchers from this analysis company found that more than 15,000 people in 52 countries around the world are affected by these attacks.
As they explained, the malware causing the thefts is presented in a fake form of the Tor browser, which is commonly used to penetrate the deep web. and where many users transact with crypto assets for the privacy they offer.
It happens that this type of virus, known as Clipper, allows cybercriminals to “hack” a computer’s clipboard when it detects that a cryptocurrency wallet address has been copied. The goal is simple: replace part of the copied address and introduce another that will lead to hackers’ coffers.
According to security firm Kaspersky, among the stolen cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE) and Monero (XRP). It adds that most of the thefts have been carried out in Russia, where users often download the fake Tor browser.which is officially blocked in the Eurasian country.
Nevertheless, Other countries around the world have also been the hardest hit by these hacking practices. These include Germany, the United States, Uzbekistan, Belarus, China, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and France. However, according to the law firm, it is possible that the actual number of those affected is “much higher than estimated”.
The same principle applies to the amount stolen and calculated by Kaspersky. as they suggest The actual amount stolen by cybercriminals “could be much higher”. This takes into account that these estimates only focus on the Clipper malware applied to a fake Tor browser.
According to Vitaly Kamluk, head of Kaspersky’s Asia-Pacific research and analysis unit, Fake Tor browser ‘poses a greater threat than it appears’
“Not just because it creates irreversible money transfers. But because it’s harder to spot even for a regular user,” Kamluk said. He added that most malware requires a communication channel between operators and victims.
Clipper malware It has been circulating in the cryptocurrency community for a while., as 2019 was the year they started targeting victims. In 2022, CriptoNoticias reported that this virus has positioned itself as one of the most dangerous for bitcoin theft.
How to avoid becoming a victim of Clipper malware?
As the security and analytics company points out, there are ways to avoid falling victim to malware that replaces wallet addresses on clipboards.
One of them is downloading programs and software Only from trusted sources, avoiding third party websites. “Always verify the authenticity of the software before downloading it,” they recommend from Kaspersky.
In return, they urge you to keep the software updated as it is difficult for hackers to do can access and exploit known vulnerabilities. They also recommend being careful with links in emails and attachments where malware is also present.
Finally, they urge you to verify digital signatures before downloading programs so they are authentic and has not undergone any kind of modification.