Security experts at Kaspersky are warning about a newly discovered threat targeting crypto users. A new strain of malware has emerged that steals screenshots containing wallet seed phrases, the crucial keys to accessing crypto funds.
📲 Malware Disguised as Legitimate Apps
Attackers are spreading the malware through apps that look trustworthy — ranging from modified TikTok versions to crypto trackers, gambling tools, and adult content platforms. Some of the fake apps, such as Soex Wallet Tracker and Coin Wallet Pro, even managed to sneak into Google Play and Apple’s App Store, being downloaded by thousands of unsuspecting users.
Often, these apps trick users into installing a special developer profile, which allows them to bypass regular phone security checks. Once installed, the app quietly requests access to the phone’s photo gallery and uses optical character recognition (OCR) to scan for seed phrases in screenshots. If detected, this sensitive data is silently sent to the attacker.
🎯 Target Region: Southeast Asia — But the Threat Is Global
The malware, named SparkKitty, primarily targets users in Southeast Asia and China. It appears to be a successor to SparkCat, another campaign discovered in early 2024. In both cases, the malware shows a strong focus on accessing crypto wallets by capturing recovery phrases.
The malicious apps were actively promoted via social media ads and Telegram channels. For example, Soex Wallet Tracker was downloaded over 5,000 times from Google Play before being taken down.
🧪 Kaspersky Acted Quickly — But the Risk Remains
After being alerted by Kaspersky, both Apple and Google removed the malicious apps from their stores. However, researchers say the campaign has likely been active since April 2024, with traces dating back even further. This means similar malware could reappear, using the same methods but under new names.
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