Hackers are forcing YouTubers to install crypto-mining malware in their videos, according to research from Kaspersky – a well-known security company. This 'extortion' tactic exploits audience trust and the popularity of geo-unblocking tools, posing a new threat to users and the crypto market. What is happening, and how does it affect the cryptocurrency industry?
Sophisticated Extortion Tactics
#Kaspersky detected hackers targeting YouTubers in Russia, where the Windows Packet Divert driver – which helps bypass geo-restrictions – is booming. Over the past six months, 2.4 million devices have installed this driver, with steadily increasing downloads since September 2024. Instructional videos for installing the driver on YouTube have become 'ideal bait.' Hackers impersonate driver developers, sending fake copyright complaints to YouTubers, threatening to delete videos if they do not add a download link for SilentCryptoMiner – a crypto-mining malware – in the description.
A #Youtuber with 60,000 subscribers was deceived, adding a malicious link to a video with over 400,000 views, resulting in 40,000 downloads of the infected file instead of a legitimate repository like GitHub. Kaspersky estimates that at least 2,000 computers in Russia have been infected with this malware, but the actual number could be higher if including campaigns on Telegram.
SilentCryptoMiner: The Hidden Weapon for Crypto Mining
SilentCryptoMiner, based on the open-source code XMRig, mines tokens such as Ethereum ($ETH ), Ethereum Classic ($ETC ), Monero (XMR), and Ravencoin ($RVN ). It infiltrates systems using the 'process hollowing' technique (simulating legitimate processes) and is controlled remotely, ceasing mining when official software is running to avoid detection. Leonid Bezvershenko, a researcher at Kaspersky, told Decrypt: 'The coercion of influencers shows that cybercriminals are evolving, exploiting the trust between YouTubers and their audience to create opportunities for large-scale infections.'
Impact on the Crypto Market
Short term: Although it does not directly affect coin prices (BTC currently at $76,600, ETH at $1,760 on March 11), crypto-mining malware increases the illegal supply of ETH, XMR... in the black market, which could exert slight downward pressure if sold off. Binance users should be wary of small fluctuations in pairs like ETH/USDT or XMR/USDT, especially when the Fear Index at 24 indicates unstable sentiment.
Long term: The rise of coin-mining malware (CoinMiner is the second most common malware in 2024, according to the Internet Security Center) tarnishes the crypto image, causing investors to be wary of security. This could hinder widespread adoption, especially as stablecoins and crypto payments are booming (Mesh recently raised $82 million). If left unchecked, such campaigns threaten the reputation of blockchain – the core technology of cryptocurrency.
Criminal Strategy: From YouTube to Everywhere
Bezvershenko emphasizes: 'Most current victims are in Russia, but hackers will attack anywhere there is an opportunity.' In 2024, ReversingLabs discovered crypto-mining malware in popular open-source packages, attracting hundreds of thousands of downloads each week. The combination of YouTuber extortion and software infection shows that cybercrime is becoming increasingly creative, leveraging both social media and programming tools.
Advice from Kaspersky
Kaspersky advises users to check download sources, especially when videos ask to disable antivirus or claim the file is 'completely safe.' Bezvershenko says: 'Always be skeptical and check for additional security.' For traders on Binance, avoiding software downloads from unclear sources is a way to protect wallets and crypto assets.
Conclusion: The Hidden Dangers Behind the Screen
The fact that hackers are extorting YouTubers to spread SilentCryptoMiner is a wake-up call about security in the crypto industry. Although the current scale is not large enough to shake the market (BTC remains around $76,600), it poses long-term challenges regarding trust and safety. Binance users need to be more vigilant, as cybercriminals are not only mining coins but also mining the trust within us.
Risk warning: Crypto investment is highly risky due to price volatility and security risks. Only invest money you are willing to lose.