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In a digital landscape rife with innovation and convenience, cyber threats’ dark underbelly continues to loom. Recently, analysts from SlowMist unearthed a nefarious scheme: a counterfeit Skype app engineered by hackers in China. This sham software was a gateway to siphon off hundreds of thousands of dollars in various cryptocurrencies, exploiting unsuspecting users. Let’s delve into this alarming revelation and understand the mechanics of this sophisticated cybercrime.
The ban on international messaging apps in China has led users to resort to unofficial sources for downloads. Seizing this opportunity, hackers developed a counterfeit Skype app, preying on the void created by restrictions.
The fake Skype version (8.87.0.403) closely mimicked the legitimate app (8.107.0.215). Within this facade lay a dangerous trap, waiting to ensnare cryptocurrency owners seeking to communicate securely.
Between November 2022 and May 2023, hackers deployed a phishing domain posing as the renowned Binance exchange. The malware stealthily targeted cryptocurrency owners by exploiting vulnerabilities in the Android network structure (okhttp3).
The insidious nature of the scam allowed hackers access to users’ internal files and system information. This breach facilitated the interception of messages containing cryptocurrency addresses, which were secretly replaced with addresses controlled by the attackers.
In response to this cyber assault, the SlowMist team acted swiftly, identifying and blacklisting over 100 malicious addresses associated with the scam. These addresses served as conduits for siphoning off substantial amounts of cryptocurrencies.
The repercussions were dire for unsuspecting victims. A Tron wallet, for instance, was bombarded with 110 transactions, draining it of over 192,856 USDT until November 8th. Similarly, an Ethereum network address faced 10 deposit transactions, siphoning off 7,800 USDT.
This incident is a stark reminder of the lurking threats in the digital realm. It underscores users’ need to exercise extreme caution, verify app authenticity, and refrain from unofficial sources.
The swift action by SlowMist in identifying and neutralizing malicious addresses highlights the significance of collaborative efforts in cybersecurity. Rapid response and information dissemination are pivotal in mitigating cyber threats.
Cryptocurrency Trends
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