PennyWise cryptocurrency virus spreads on YouTube

Security experts at Cyble Research Labs have discovered a new crypto virus spreading on YouTube. According to the experts, the virus, called PennyWise, is aimed at stealing confidential browser data and wallet passphrases and intercepting transactions.

Cyble Research Labs found about 80 different videos in which fraudsters urge users to download «free bitcoin mining software.» However, instead of the promised software, gullible users receive the PennyWise virus on their computers.

The malware file is archived and password-protected, so it looks safe to many users. One of the conditions for downloading the software is to disable antiviruses (the only way, according to the fraudsters, the program will be able to run).

The ZIP file contains an installer that installs and runs PennyWise. After that, hackers get access to all the necessary user data.

It is noteworthy that cryptocurrency hackers have recently become more active, using a variety of methods to attack. Recently, security experts at Confiant warned the crypto community about fake programs that imitate MetaMask and Coinbase Wallet to steal passphrases and intercept transactions. According to the report, the malware is called «Seaflower» and, according to researchers, has already become «one of the most insidious threats of this year.» And a virus called Clipminer has already managed to bring its developers at least $ 1.7 million from intercepting cryptocurrency transactions.