New Crypto Mining Malware Targeting Corporate Networks, Says Kaspersky

Researchers at Kaspersky Lab have uncovered a new form of cryptojacking malware targeting corporations in multiple countries.

AccessTimeIconJul 27, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. UTC
Updated Aug 18, 2021 at 9:31 p.m. UTC

Presented By Icon

Election 2024 coverage presented by

Stand with crypto

Researchers at Kaspersky Lab have uncovered a new form of cryptojacking malware targeting corporations in multiple countries, the cybersecurity firm reported Thursday.

PowerGhost, a form of fileless malware – which uses a system's native processes to hijack a computer – has reportedly been spreading on corporate networks in India, Brazil, Colombia and Turkey. The software mines an undisclosed cryptocurrency once installed on a computer.

  • Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO
    13:18
    Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO
  • Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny
    05:10
    Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny
  • The first video of the year 2024
    04:07
    The first video of the year 2024
  • The last regression video of the year 3.67.0
    40:07
    The last regression video of the year 3.67.0
  • The miner "is capable of stealthily establishing itself in a system and spreading across large corporate networks infecting both workstations and servers," Kaspersky reported.

    Illicit crypto miners have been rapidly rising in popularity among the web's criminal fraternity, being hidden in apps and websites to quietly harness user devices to earn the hackers cryptocurrency. Now it seems the methods they use are evolving.

    "It appears the growing popularity and rates of cryptocurrencies have convinced the bad guys of the need to invest in new mining techniques – as our data demonstrates, miners are gradually replacing ransomware Trojans," said Kaspersky.

    Principal security researcher David Emm agreed, telling ZDNet:

    "PowerGhost raises new concerns about crypto-mining software. The miner we examined indicates that targeting consumers is not enough for cybercriminals anymore – threat actors are now turning their attention to enterprises too. Cryptocurrency mining is set to become a huge threat to the business community."

    The firm's report echoes concerns shared by other cybersecurity firms. Earlier this month, Skybox Security also stated that cryptojacking had become more popular among bad actors than ransomware.

    At the time, Skybox called cryptojacking malware "a money-making safe haven for cybercriminals."

    Infected network image via Shutterstock

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information have been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk has adopted a set of principles aimed at ensuring the integrity, editorial independence and freedom from bias of its publications. CoinDesk is part of the Bullish group, which owns and invests in digital asset businesses and digital assets. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive Bullish group equity-based compensation. Bullish was incubated by technology investor Block.one.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.