Kaspersky warns against cryptocurrency extraction in business networks in Latin America



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The phantom threat hovers over the business networks of Latin American companies, according to a report by Kaspersky Lab, which warns of the threat of mining methods to obtain money.

According to security company researchers, a new cryptocurrency miner named PowerGhost has affected corporate networks in several regions, mainly in Latin America. The impact for businesses comes with the damage to business processes as miners sabotage and slow down their computer networks.

"Right now cryptocurrency miners are a hot topic in cybersecurity.This specialized mining software creates new currencies by taking advantage of the power of computers and peripheral devices. Unbeknownst to them, "warns Kaspersky Lab release

PowerGhost is distributed in corporate networks infecting workstations and servers, the main victims of this attack were business users in Brazil, Colombia In India and Turkey, however, victims have also been registered in Mexico, Peru and Ecuador.PowerGhost (which is detected under the possible PDM names: Trojan.Win32.Generic, PDM: Exploit.Win32.Generic, HEUR: Trojan.Win32.Generic or not-a-virus: HEUR: RiskTool.Win32.BitMiner.gen Uses several techniques without the need for files to gain unobtrusive access to corporate networks. This means that the minor does not store the malicious charge of the malware directly on a disk, which makes detection and disabling difficult.

equipment is produced by exploits or remote administration tools. From Kaspersky explain that when the machine is infected, the malicious load of the minor is downloaded and executed without being stored on the hard drive. Once this has happened, cyber criminals can automatically update the juvenile, spread through the network and start the cryptocurrency extraction process.

According to the statement, the threat has exploded in recent times, and has replaced ransomware as the main type of malware, as stated in a previous survey of the signature . However, "the appearance of PowerGhost adds a new dimension to this trend." It shows that malicious miners' developers are turning to targeted attacks for more money, as our researchers have predicted. " , says the company.

Geography of infections by minors. Source: Kaspersky Lab.

Vladas Bulavas, Malware Analyst for Kaspersky Lab, commented that "PowerGhost attacks against companies, with the aim of installing minors, are generating new concerns about cryptography software. we examine indicates that the attack of users is no longer sufficient. "Cyber ​​criminals are now also targeting businesses, which makes cryptocurrency mining a threat to the business world."

To reduce the risk of infection in minors, Kaspersky Lab advises users: [19659010] Always keep the software up-to-date on all devices you use. To prevent minors from exploiting vulnerabilities, use tools that automatically detect vulnerabilities and download and install patches.

  • Do not overlook less obvious goals such as queue management systems standby, POS terminals and even vending machines. Such equipment can also be hacked to extract cryptocurrencies.
  • Use a robust security solution with application control components, behavioral detection and prevention of exploits that monitor the suspicious actions of applications and block the action
  • To protect the business environment, train your employees and your IT teams, separate confidential data and limit their access.
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