Kaspersky Tensukan Lonjakan Malware Pengeras Kripto Di Dark Web

Illustration of crypto asset fraud (photo: Kaspersky)

JAKARTA - In 2024, Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence experts saw a significant increase in interest in crypto depletion in the dark web market.

Crypto depletion is a type of malware that emerged about three years ago and was designed to trick victims into allowing fraudulent transactions to steal funds from their wallets.

The general methods of this malware are fake airdrops, phishing sites, malicious browser extensions, fraud through advertising, malicious smart contracts, and fake NFT markets.

Based on Kaspersky data, the number of dark web threads discussing crypto depletion increased by 135 percent, from only 55 in 2022 to 129 in 2024.

In this thread, cybercriminals discuss various topics, ranging from buying and selling this type of malicious software to arranging a team for distribution, and so on.

Given this trend, Alexander Zabrovsky, security expert at Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence predicts that cybercriminals' interest in crypto depletion and related attacks will likely continue to grow by 2025.

"This means crypto enthusiasm must be more vigilant than ever, adopting strong crypto security measures," Alexander said in his official statement on Monday, January 13.

In addition, Alex added, crypto depletion often uses social engineering tactics to steal funds. They may exploit well-known wallet and exchange brands to lure victims into revealing their wallet information or making transactions.

For this reason, he advises crypto activists to search for the mention of brands regularly on search engines, social media, and markets. If any phishing site or fraud is identified, the site can be shut down immediately, thus preventing potential victims from falling on this fraudulent device.