Have you noticed your trusty PC or laptop running slower than usual lately?

Well, brace yourself because cybersecurity experts are warning that a new form of insidious malware could be the culprit behind your computer woes.

Dubbed 'crypto malware' by those in the know, this software parasite works by secretly hijacking your device's processing power to fraudulently earn digital money for criminals, all while slowing your system down.

'The biggest problem is that it is difficult to detect for an average computer user because no data is lost,' explained Cybersecurity Advisor Adrianus Warmenhoven from NordVPN, a leading digital security firm.

Australians are being warned about a new type of malware allowing criminals to hijack victims' devices and fraudulently earn easy cash. Credit: Shutterstock.

So, how does this devious program work? By tapping into your computer's resources to secretly 'mine' cryptocurrency—those digital coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, you may have heard about on the news.

The mining process involves solving complex mathematical equations, which requires an enormous amount of computing power. By infecting large networks of machines, cyber crooks can mine crypto on an industrial scale without having to foot the astronomical electricity bills.

Of course, all that number-crunching gobbles up your device's resources, turning your once lightning-fast laptop into a 'turtle' overnight.

'You may think you don't need to worry because you don't own or have never used cryptocurrency,' added Mr Warmenhoven.

'But crypto mining malware doesn't typically include hackers stealing funds from the victim's cryptocurrency wallet, just using their device to mine. And, as a result, making the victim's device very slow.'

What's worse is that crypto-malware is purposely difficult to detect, often masquerading as legitimate programs or hiding in website ads.

In Mr Warmenhoven's words, 'Detecting crypto malware on your device can be very difficult. It's designed to be as stealthy as possible.'

What's the best protection against this insidious threat? It's simple: keep all your software updated, use antivirus tools, steer clear of suspicious links and websites, and, most importantly, remain vigilant.

Crypto malware often capitalises on unpatched system vulnerabilities. The quicker you update your software and operating system, the more formidable the barrier against malware infiltrating your device.

Antivirus software comes to the rescue by scanning the files you download for malware, making it arduous for cybercriminals to infiltrate your device. It also safeguards against access to malicious websites, effectively minimising the threat of falling for phishing schemes.

Lastly, it all boils down to practising good internet behaviour. Refrain from clicking on suspicious links, avoid downloading suspicious documents, and exercise caution when visiting untrusted websites.

Key Takeaways

• Australians are being warned about a new type of malware, known as crypto-malware, which allows criminals to hijack victims' devices to mine cryptocurrency.
• A common indicator of a device being infected by this malware is slower performance and possible overheating due to increased computing usage.
• Cybersecurity experts advise individuals to keep all devices and applications up to date, use antivirus software, and practise good internet behaviour to deter infection.
• The crypto-malware does not typically involve theft from victims' cryptocurrency wallets but rather uses their device resources to mine.

This comes after we recently reported on a similar scheme, which targets smartphones instead of computers and laptops. For more information, read the full article here.

Stay vigilant out there, members! The web is filled with scammers looking for their next victim. But with proper precautions, you can keep them at bay and your devices—and finances—safe and sound.

 

[mustang]

I been using Trend Micro for years never had a problem with my computer

 

[nicox12]

Thank you for bringing attention to the issue of crypto malware, which can seriously impact our computers' performance. It's important to stay vigilant and take precautions to safeguard our devices. In addition to the advice you've provided, I'd like to mention that regular data backups are also crucial. In case your system does get infected, having up-to-date backups ensures you don't lose valuable data. Furthermore, using a reliable VPN can add an extra layer of protection when browsing the internet. VPNs encrypt your online traffic, making it harder for cybercriminals to intercept your data. You can check out these tutorials for more info.