By hiding ClipBanker malware in fake Microsoft Office add-in packages stored on SourceForge, cybercriminals have devised a new and sneaky way to target people who use cryptocurrencies. Kaspersky, a security company, recently released a report saying that attackers have posted malicious projects like “office package” that look like fundamental developer tools, tricking users into downloading infected files. It secretly watches what you copy and paste and replaces copied crypto wallet addresses with the attackers. This steals money from the target even though they are unaware of it.
What is ClipBanker and How does it work?
ClipBanker is a type of “clipboard-hijacking malware” that takes advantage of crypto users’ tendency to copy and paste wallet addresses. People rarely write wallet addresses by hand because they are long and hard to understand. Because of this, ClipBanker changes any copied address to one that belongs to the intruder. People send their crypto assets to hackers without even realizing it. Being sneaky and not setting off any alarms during installation makes this malware even more dangerous.
Hidden on SourceForge
The harmful ads for Office extensions, especially the “office package,” include Office add-ins and destructive code. Some files are too small, which is a bad sign because real Office apps are usually big, even when compressed. Others are filled with fake information to make them look real. These downloads often appear in search results, and Kaspersky says they are fake trusted developer tools.
Threats Beyond Wallet Theft
The risk goes beyond just loss. According to Kaspersky’s research, attackers may also put in “crypto miners” and, even worse, could sell keys to systems that are already affected on the dark web. Malware is clever enough to check if it’s already loaded or if antivirus software is running. If either is found, it can delete itself to avoid being seen. Even though it is mainly aimed at Russian-speaking users (90% of cases were found in Russia), this method is a threat to everyone.
Conclusion
In the digital world we live in now, ease can cost you. It’s more important than ever to download software from official, trusted sources because crypto-related malware is getting smarter. Kaspersky says that hackers are constantly changing.
