Dangerous new malware is spreading through large crypto-focused Telegram groups. Here’s how to protect your wallet
Cybersecurity researcher @officer_cia of LobsterDAO and Immunefi bug bounty platform shared the details of another malware focused on crypto wallets and account credentials.
Echelon is here to steal your crypto
The expert took to Twitter to warn all Telegram users of the new attacks on crypto wallets registered on Telegram.
According to the expert, the user with the “Smokes Night” handle spreads Echelon malware by dropping an infected file into chat rooms without comment.
The expert has attached a report on a similar attack with a list of affected cryptocurrency services. It includes a number of non-depository wallets (AtomicWallet, Electrum, Exodus) for Bitcoin, Litcecoin, ZCash, Monero, and other cryptos.
This version of Echelon has multiple credential-stealing functions, domain detection and computer fingerprinting. It also attempts to take a screenshot of the victim’s device.
Here’s how to protect yourself
The malware can steal the information even if a Telegram user does not open the file. The automatic download option built into the messaging system makes this possible.
As such, the reporter recommends disabling the auto-downloading option in Telegram’s settings.
In 2021, the Echelon malware was described as ransomware, malicious software that encrypts files for ransom.
As covered by U.Today previously, in 2021, ransomware programs stole millions of dollars; typically, the malefactors demand a ransom in Bitcoin, Ethereum or Monero.
