Bitcoin has been the most popular cryptocurrency in recent years and its users are a prime target for cybercriminals. With new Bitcoin-related malware emerging every day, it is essential that you remain vigilant to prevent your devices from being compromised.
The “is cryptocurrency traceable” is a question that has been asked many times. In the wake of Bitcoin stealing malware, it is important to stay vigilant and make sure you are not affected.
According to recent reports, a Bitcoin user was duped into transferring 0.255 Bitcoin to the incorrect address as a consequence of malware on their machine. The unlucky Bitcoin user was tricked out of roughly $10,000 in BTC.
Louis Nel, a crypto enthusiast and tech writer, raised the matter on Twitter, referring to his buddy as ‘C.’
A buddy deposited 0.255BTC to an exchange from his bitcoin wallet.
On his PC, he copied and pasted the wallet address.
When the monies did not arrive at the exchange after 4 hours, he became concerned…
— March 14, 2022, Louis Nel (@LouisNel)
C’s, according to Nel:
“Bitcoin was transmitted from Kraken to VALR, a South African exchange,” but “malware on his computer captured the copied data and substituted a new wallet address when he pasted this without recognizing,” according to the report.
The VALR cryptocurrency exchange verified that the wallet address provided is not theirs. Nel added the following as additional red flags:
“There are nine transactions in that wallet, indicating that others have also been fooled.”
The wallet address in question has a value of 0.27 BTC, however the money have yet to be transferred. Nel went so far as to provide a snapshot of the wallet address along with the associated addresses:
The Bitcoin wallet containing the addresses that have been hacked. Louis Nel is the author of this article.
In the realm of crypto finance and bitcoin transactions, malware assaults are nothing new. According to Chainalysis, just one malware bot stole up to $500,000 in the previous year.
Furthermore, even seasoned and skilled crypto aficionados are vulnerable to malware attacks: C began trading and investing in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency in 2018. This malware assault is not only awful for C, but it also serves as a harsh reminder to crypto users.
Bitcoin transactions are irreversible and immutable, which means that once funds leave a wallet, no one can alter the data or transfer the money back. It is a double-edged sword in cases like this virus assault, despite being one of the protocol’s key assets. “Nel” stated:
“You are responsible for your own security while dealing with Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.” Always double-check the initial four to six characters and the final four to six characters when copying and pasting wallet addresses.”
“Don’t trust, verify,” is now one of the most important Bitcoin mantras. Always reread addresses and verify “the complete address” while transferring money. Send a test transaction of several Satoshis to ensure that the money arrive securely to the appropriate wallet address if the amount is large.
For C:
“Despite the fact that the malicious program was discovered and removed, the problem persisted, and he provided me [Nel] a video in which the wallet address would continue constantly alter.”
His laptop, which was running Windows 10, seems to be still infected:
“All we know is that the malicious malware infiltrated his operating system and was still working.”
Cryptocurrency users need to stay vigilant in the wake of Bitcoin stealing malware. The best way to protect yourself is by using a hardware wallet like Trezor or Ledger Nano S. Reference: can police trace bitcoin.
