[OPLIN 4cast] OPLIN 4Cast #575: The latest malware threat to worry about

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OPLIN 4Cast #575: The latest malware threat to worry about
January 3rd, 2018

[image: Bee holding bit coins] It should come as no surprise that as
cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, have risen in value, more hackers are
finding ways to acquire it. The latest trend in malware is called
"cryptojacking." This type of malware generally runs in the background of a
site or app (unbeknownst to the user) and illicitly runs cryptocurrency
mining code. In addition, it often uses up most or all of the user's CPU
activity.  One security researcher estimates that more than 2,500
<https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/11/drive-by-cryptomining-that-drains-cpus-picks-up-steam-with-aid-of-2500-sites/>
sites, browser extensions and apps are already dispensing this type of
malware

   -
   - Opera browser now includes cryptojacking protection
   <https://boingboing.net/2018/01/01/opera-browser-now-includes-cry.html>
   [Boing Boing] "Bitcoins are really hot right now, but did you know that
   they might actually be making your computer hotter? Your CPU suddenly
   working at 100 percent capacity, the fan is going crazy for seemingly no
   reason and your battery quickly depleting might all be signs that someone
   is using your computer to mine for cryptocurrency."
   - Chrome Extension With 100,000 Users Caught Cryptojacking Using Your
   CPU Power
   <https://fossbytes.com/archive-poster-chrome-extension-cryptojacking/>
   [Fossbytes] "Named Archive Poster, this extension has more than 100,000
   users. For the past few weeks, the extension has been deploying an
   in-browser cryptocurrency miner without showing the users any form of
   notification or asking for their permission."
   - ‘We live in a new world of sophisticated hacking & cryptojacking’ –
   McAfee to RT
   <https://www.rt.com/news/414604-mcafee-hacking-cryptocurrency-bitcoin-threat/>
   [RT] "'This will continue to happen until people and the owners of the
   exchanges understand that the world they are in is far more sophisticated
   in terms of hacking than they believe,' he said, predicting ominously
   that *'*every exchange will at some point in the near future get
   hacked. And if you have your wallet on those exchanges, you’ll lose your
   money because they do not have the resources to reimburse you.*'”*
   - Cryptojacking has gotten out of control
   <https://www.wired.com/story/cryptojacking-has-gotten-out-of-control/>
   [WIRED] "Cryptojacking doesn't require a download, starts instantly, and
   works efficiently. Making it even more insidious, hackers can sneak a
   mining component onto unsuspecting websites and pilfer cryptocurrency off
   of the legitimate site's traffic. Illicit cryptojacking software has
   plagued unsuspecting sites like Politifact and Showtime."

*From the Ohio Web Library <http://ohioweblibrary.org>:*

   - The rise of cryptojacking
   <http://proxy.oplin.org:2054/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cmh&AN=Q4KHSON2017112144240257>
   (Aleksandra Sagan The Canadian, P. (2017, November 21). The rise of
   cryptojacking. *Hamilton Spectator, The (ON)*. )
   - Why Cryptojacking Is The Next Big Cybersecurity Threat
   <http://proxy.oplin.org:2054/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=125846226&site=ehost-live>
   (Hackett, R. (2017). Why Cryptojacking Is The Next Big Cybersecurity
   Threat. *Fortune.Com*, 1. )
   - How hackers use unsuspecting companies’ websites to help ‘mine’ for
   online currency
   <http://proxy.oplin.org:2054/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cmh&AN=272RAOND1BB2C1B9E38E0DB>
   (American, N. (2017, November 20). How hackers use unsuspecting companies’
   websites to help ‘mine’ for online currency. *American News*. )

------------------------------
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