Different types of malware are threatening cryptocurrency owners and trying to steal their valuable digital currencies, using different techniques. This new and profitable business is attracting experienced malware creators. Just recently, Japanese police arrested a 17-year-old boy for creating malware that targeted digital wallets.
According to a report by Mainichi Shimbun, via Bleeping Computer, the malware stole private keys used to access digital wallets. It is also being investigated whether the boy used the passwords to steal cryptocurrency from the victims.
Lately, there has been a huge demand for apps and websites to access real-time cryptocurrency-related data. To spread the malware and take advantage of that same demand, the boy hid it in an app that displayed cryptocurrency transaction data.
One of the places where the malicious app was shared was a Monacoin forum. For those who don't know, Monacoin is a relatively popular cryptocurrency that has been touted as the first Japanese digital cryptocurrency.
The arrested boy has denied some allegations and stated that he did not do it with malicious intent. Police are currently investigating the matter.
While the exact scale of the infection remains unknown, at least one person was found to have downloaded the app. He later discovered that approximately 170 Monacoin, worth $500, were missing from his digital wallet.
