A banner image titled, 'Malware that Steals Cryptocurrency Through Your Photos: Important Things to Know' shows a man standing with cryptocurrency.

Malware that Steals Cryptocurrency Through Your Photos: Important Things to Know

By Nivin Biswas Category Hot Topics Reading time 5.5 mins Published on Apr 05, 2024

Learn Everything About Malware that Uses a Cryptocurrency Photo for Hacking

The 21st-century digital ecosystem welcomes 'Cryptocurrency' as a thriving payment domain. The modus operandi is to have a digital exchange of currencies in a secure and seamless form. Regardless of encrypted walls, cryptocurrency carries the risk of cyberattacks.

Have you ever heard of malware stealing your currencies via a cryptocurrency photo?

Your astonishment will not be surprising to me, as it is a known fact that malware can access your gallery and steal cryptocurrencies without your knowledge. The lurking danger of such malware imposes an unknown cyber threat that you must not ignore.

The world is leaping toward a seamless digital future. Firms across the globe leap, incorporating a tech-friendly culture into their operations. An increasing use of IoT devices, AI, and other novel tech creations triggers cyber attacks. As per the statistical reports , global cyber attacks led by IoT are expected to double by the end of 2025. No wonder many factors are responsible for cyber attacks, but malware leads the race.

Since many users are unaware of such incidents, this blog will provide detailed info on important things that you must know about crypto-malware.

Role of Malware in Cyber Crimes

Malware is a vicious software that breaks into a computing device, network connection, or service channels, stealing vital info. Malware is a way for hackers to dive into personal space and breach the protection walls. Hackers use it to extract the data unethically and use it further. The data can be anything – from personal details to your health records.

What can be the reasons behind using malware?

  • Stealing personal details to misuse for many reasons
  • Credit card data theft for financial gains
  • Hacking network
  • Infecting computing devices and service channels

In short, malware has become a threat to many firms and in-person users, breaching their personal space.

How does malware spread?

Malware can spread in many ways

  • Email attachments with vital business or personal info
  • Ads with malicious links or files
  • Software installation from fake sites with viruses
  • Using infected connecting devices (pen drives, USB)
  • Installing infected apps
  • Phishing emails
  • Text messages with harmful content or links

Thus, everyone must stay alert and fully aware of cyber-attacks in today's digital era. It demands skilled cybersecurity experts to control and limit the risks with proven solutions.

Let's review the risks malware imposes in terms of cryptocurrency theft.

An image shows a man sitting with a laptop using Malware Causing Cryptocurrency Theft.

Malware Causing Cryptocurrency Theft

Cryptocurrency theft through pictures has created a buzz around the world. In the race of cyberattacks, malware imposes a critical threat on crypto users. 'CherryBIos' is an Android malware that is responsible for currency theft with the owner's knowledge. This malware is designed to trace and steal cryptocurrency details from the e-wallet. With accessibility permits from Android, this malware gets hands over transaction details related to digital currencies. Plus, it runs several fake ads to attract users, and once you click it steals all info from the wallet.

Let's learn about CherryBIos and how it works.

CherryBIos is an advanced Android malware that imposes uncertain risks for currency owners. Today's tech era closely works with digital assets, and cryptocurrency has become a favorite for many investors or financial traders. This malware dives deeper into a person's device, scans the vital info, and steals them deceitfully.

How CherryBIos works?

Suppose you own some cryptocurrencies, and, for some cause, you have saved sensitive info related to payments, exchanges, or others in pictorial form. If you are an Android user, CherryBIOS malware can be a threat to you. Here is how it steals the personal details about cryptocurrency.

  • Firstly, it infiltrates a user's Android device to scan the required info.
  • Next, it searches for cryptocurrency wallet details stored in your device. Once it's done, the malware scans it for further use.
  • Then, CherryBIos breaks into your gallery with a QR code for crypto transactions.
  • The malware uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to extract useful data from the pictures.
  • Next, the crypto-malware interprets the derived data and manipulates it unethically.
  • At last, the hacker gets the scope to drain the info from the wallet and transmit it to a remote server system. Now, all your digital currencies are hacked via this malware.

No wonder cryptocurrency theft through pictures has become a risk for many users. Smart eradication of cyber attacks is a necessity right now. CherryBIos imposes another risk apart from stealing cryptocurrencies. It can design fake user interfaces in crypto apps. For example, this malware can create a fake crypto account, withdraw your currencies, and transfer to the fake ones. Hackers can control many fake accounts under this malware that need remedial steps.

An image shows a logo of bitcoin with secure framework.

Learn Ways to Have Secure Cryptocurrencies

CherryBIos has a strong hacking framework that steals vital info from a user's device and uses it for unethical motives. It requires a smart gateway to protect digital currencies from hackers.

Some effective ways to have secure crypto photo practices are –

  • Regular Software Updates

Security risks revolve around cryptocurrencies causing cyber attacks. Thus, experts must update its software regularly. Updating the software with the latest trends limits external risks and builds a strong wall to save your digital currencies.

  • Use Strong & Unique Passwords

Digital currency users must use unique and strongly arranged passwords. It limits the intervention of malware. A good combination of characters, letters, and numbers builds an encrypted wall. Hackers find it hard to break through the interface and steal your currencies.

  • Frequent Monitoring of Transactions

Cryptocurrency users must stay alert to any suspicious activity. One must regularly check and monitor the transaction history and account activities. It helps to trace abnormal activities, report them, and address them before they are late.

  • Use Encrypted Devices

Your devices must have 100% encrypted walls to secure the hidden info from external factors. To have secure crypto photo practices, you must encrypt personal details. Regular updates to the smartphone will safeguard your details from hackers.

  • Knowing the Risks

Crypto users must be able to recognize the risks well. Decentralized networks with cryptocurrencies impose security risks. Thus, one must be able to identify and mitigate the risks without any hardware failure.

In short, with rightful steps and good knowledge, users can protect their cryptocurrencies from hacking. AI and augmented reality, like modern tech creations, help experts overcome cyber threats in the digital era evenly.

Read More: How is Augmented Reality Helping the Cyber Security System?

End Notes!!

A Cryptocurrency photo has become an effective weapon for hackers to steal digital currencies. It needs proven expertise and conscious steps to safeguard digital assets from malicious activity. Thus, each cybersecurity expert must upskill as per the latest trends to cope with such issues with better solutions. Enrolling in an Advance Data Science & AI Program will equip you with effective skills to stand against cyber attacks. Its in-depth course syllabus, followed by live projects, supports industry-paced learning. Globally-recognized certifications from IBM & Microsoft enrich a career with assured gains.

FAQs:–

What is the malware that steals crypto?

CherryBIos is the Android malware that steals crypto via the photos saved on your device. Its optical character recognition feature scans the photos, extracts vital info, and transfers it to the hacker's site.

How do I know if I have crypto malware?

You must assess and trace the warning signs to know if you have crypto-malware. Crypto malware significantly affects the system with slower or no performance. It starts lagging at different points in time and causes overheating.

What are two types of crypto malware?

CherryBIos and Fake Trade are two types of crypto malware that hack personal user information from operating devices. CherryBIos is currently in a trend of stealing digital currencies and transferring them to hacker networks.