The expert warned Russians about a new fraudulent scheme with pirated programs

Fraudsters are using a new deception scheme in which they distribute a type of malicious software (software) under the guise of popular office programs that steals funds by spoofing crypto wallets. On April 27, he told Gazeta about the virus and ways to protect against it.Ru" Director of Communications of the cryptocurrency exchange exmo.me Mikhail Smirnov.

"A new fraud scheme using malicious ClipBanker software, which is disguised as Microsoft Office office applications, has been recorded in Russia. This Trojan combines hidden mining and substitution of addresses of crypto wallets in the clipboard, which allows attackers to steal funds during transfers," he explained.

According to the publication, according to Kaspersky data, since the beginning of 2023, more than 15 thousand attacks using malware have been recorded that replace the addresses of cryptocurrency wallets in the clipboard. These attacks affected at least 52 countries, including Russia, USA, Germany and China. According to experts, the number of affected users is approaching 30 thousand, and their losses amount to about $ 400 thousand. Users become victims of viruses such as ClipBanker due to the use of pirated software.

"The ClipBanker Trojan is distributed through popular platforms such as YouTube and GitHub. Users download archives containing malware, which runs automatically after unpacking," the expert noted.

The lack of systematic educational work on the part of the state and the market contributes to the further spread of the threat, therefore, to protect against such attacks, it is recommended to use up-to-date antiviruses, as well as to observe digital hygiene when installing software. In addition, you should download programs only from official websites, and do not use torrents, unknown archives, or programs from Telegram channels and forums. Even if the desired program looks familiar, this does not exclude the presence of an embedded virus, the expert emphasized.

"Official websites are the only reliable source. Use licensed software, because pirated builds are often modified and contain malicious components. Saving on a license leads to a complete loss of control over a computer or finances," Smirnov said.

It clarifies that it is necessary to regularly update the operating system and antivirus, since their outdated versions are a vulnerable environment for Trojan penetration, and their automatic updates make it possible to close these vulnerabilities. When conducting a cryptographic payment operation, it is necessary to verify the recipient's address. When transferring cryptocurrencies manually, it is enough to simply compare the first and last four characters of the address in the sending form and in the recipient's wallet.

"Set up two-factor authentication. Even if an attacker gains access to a crypto wallet or an exchange account, an additional authorization factor can prevent funds from being withdrawn," the expert concluded.

Online loss: the concept of "digital currency" will be included in the Criminal Code

This is necessary to regulate its arrest and seizure.

Minestream CEO Rafik Mamin told Izvestia on April 23 that the bitcoin exchange rate could rise to $100,000 in June 2025. At the same time, he warned of possible corrections due to profit-taking by major players. However, the trend remains upward, and in the medium term, bitcoin may update its historical maximum.