BlackBerry, a tech giant formerly dominating the cellphone market, has raised an alarm through its research and intelligence arm about a new cyberthreat targeting Mexican cryptocurrency exchanges and banks. This significant development, reported by CoinTelegraph, underscores the growing concern over cybersecurity in the cryptocurrency sector.
According to BlackBerry’s investigation, a financially motivated attacker has been identified, aiming at high-net-worth Mexican financial institutions, particularly those with gross revenues exceeding $100 million. These entities, often reporting to the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), include not only banks and crypto trading services but also large corporations from various sectors like retail, agriculture, and transportation.
The attacker employs an open-source remote access tool named AllaKore RAT, which is heavily modified to steal sensitive user and banking information. This tool is cleverly disguised, often bypassing employees’ suspicion by mimicking official naming schemes and links. The stolen data is sent back to a command-and-control server, primarily for financial fraud purposes.
The latest iterations of AllaKore RAT showcase a more complex installation process, where the software is delivered in a Microsoft installer file and activates only when it confirms the victim’s location in Mexico. Although the primary targets are large financial entities, the method has been adapted to target various large Mexican corporations.
This revelation comes amid increasing concerns over basic phishing attacks and their success rates in the crypto world. Just recently, a security breach at hardware wallet manufacturer Trezor resulted in the leak of nearly 66,000 users' contact information. However, Trezor reassured that no user funds were compromised.
BlackBerry's report on this emerging cyberthreat serves as a crucial reminder for businesses and investors in the crypto ecosystem to be vigilant and protect sensitive information.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article is based on the referenced research articles. It is essential to conduct further research and analysis before making any investment decisions. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and investors should exercise caution and consult with financial professionals before engaging in cryptocurrency trading or investment activities.
