Darktrace, a cybersecurity firm, has warned that online scammers are using fake startups to steal cryptocurrency from unsuspecting users.
According to the findings shared on July 10, the attackers use methods similar to those seen in “Traffer Group” campaigns, which are known for stealing account details and other sensitive data through malicious software.
This scam works by creating fake companies that claim to work in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), gaming, Web3, and social media. These fake start-ups use hacked X accounts to contact people and also publish posts on Medium and GitHub to make their projects look real.
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Darktrace explained in the report that victims are usually approached through private messages on X, Telegram, or Discord. The cybersecurity firm noted:
A fake employee of the company will contact a victim asking to test out their software in exchange for a cryptocurrency payment.
The attackers then send a link to download the malicious software. When victims install it, a Cloudflare security screen appears, while the program secretly begins collecting data from the computer.
As part of this process, the malware steals the victim’s cryptocurrency wallet credentials. Both Windows and Mac users have been affected, the report stated.
On July 8, BitMEX
$52.88K
Research reported that a Bitcoin
$117,438.69
wallet linked to the Mt. Gox hack has become the target of a new scam. How? Read the full story.
Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.
