Connect with us

E-Business

Kaspersky Warns of a Two-fold Surge in Browser Extensions that Steal Crypto

Published

on

Kindly share this post

A browser extension is a piece of software that users can install to customise the functionality of a web browser. Browser extensions are handy, but they can also pose serious threats to privacy and security.

As an increasing number of people have begun to rely on cryptocurrencies for online transactions, cybercriminals have adapted their tactics accordingly: browser extensions have become an attractive target for hackers looking to exploit unsuspecting crypto users.

At the beginning of 2023 Kaspersky observed a two-fold increase in the number of malicious browser extensions, specifically those designed to perform web injects and steal cryptocurrency. There was also a rise in the number of malicious droppers that install harmful extensions on victims’ machines.

A malicious browser extension interferes in browser functionality and mimics legitimate software. It could be difficult to detect by antivirus software. Malicious extensions can alter what the user sees on his/her browser, as opposed to what is actually sent by the server.

For example, these extensions can add or remove text, labels, text fields, and other website elements. Malicious extensions can track affiliate IDs, engage in phishing activities and steal credentials, as well as steal cryptocurrency.

For instance, a malicious extension can insert an additional field to a form sent by a crypto wallet server. The purpose of these extra fields (accompanied by supporting labels and instructions) is to dupe the user into entering certain confidential information (e.g., login credentials, credit card numbers, CVVs, PINs, tokens, etc.) even if that information was not being requested by the crypto wallet in the original form.

These malicious extensions often mimic legitimate ones, making it difficult for users to differentiate between safe and harmful add-ons. Once installed, these extensions can inject malicious code into users’ browsers, enabling cybercriminals to steal sensitive information such as private keys, seed phrases for crypto wallets, login credentials and two-factor authentication information.

“Browser extensions can be installed both from official browser stores (e.g., in Chrome, Firefox) or direct from a file – this is currently available on Windows machines in the most popular browser – Chrome.

When installed from outside the official stores, the risk of the extension being malicious increases. Users, especially those who engage in cryptocurrency operations on their Windows machines, should be wary of browser extensions that they install,” comments Sergey Lozhkin, Lead Security Researcher at Kaspersky GReAT.


Kindly share this post

Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

E-Business

Ride the ‘Wicked’ Wave: Temu Brings Green Magic to Christmas

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Temu is set to enchant the holiday season with its unique blend of green magic, bringing a touch of festive wonder to Christmas celebrations. The initiative, themed “Ride the ‘Wicked’ Wave,” promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, combining technology, entertainment, and commerce to create a magical holiday atmosphere.

Temu

Temu’s green magic initiative aims to captivate audiences with a variety of festive offerings, from fashion to home decor, handmade crafts, beauty items, chic clothes, shoes, and more.

The platform’s innovative approach ensures that customers can enjoy a seamless shopping experience, with free shipping on all orders1.

As part of the celebration, Temu has also introduced a magical winter Christmas backdrop, perfect for creating a festive ambiance at home.

This backdrop, made from high-quality polyester, is designed to bring the spirit of the season to life, making it an ideal addition to any holiday decor.

With its commitment to providing exceptional products and services, Temu continues to set new standards in the e-commerce industry, ensuring that customers can enjoy the magic of Christmas in style


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

E-Business

Kaspersky Cybersecurity Experts Warn of Evolving Holiday Scams

Published

on

Kindly share this post

With the holiday season here, it’s not only a time for magic and celebration but also a prime opportunity for fraudsters to exploit the festive rush for gifts and bargains.

Kaspersky Cybersecurity Experts Warn of Evolving Holiday Scams

Amid the sparkle of year-end celebrations, cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky have identified several prominent scams targeting consumers across various regions and languages.

Fake holiday shops

Deceptive online stores mimic the look and feel of legitimate e-commerce sites, offering seasonal items such as decorations, gifts, and even trees at steep discounts.

These sites often appear highly localised, adapting their language and currency based on the user’s geographic location, leveraging data extracted from browsers.

Victims typically encounter these stores by following links in ads or pop-ups.

These sites aim to steal funds. Often, these fraudulent stores exist only for a short period, as they get flagged by the vendors of goods.

Free mobile data offer

This scam plays on the allure of free services, claiming to provide free mobile data valid across all major telecom providers.

In order to receive the free data, victims are required to share the promotion link with 10–15 contacts via WhatsApp, ensuring the scam spreads exponentially.

After sharing, victims are prompted to enter their personal details — name, phone number, and email — into a form.

The collected data is then sold on the Dark Web or used in other fraudulent activities.

In some cases, victims unknowingly download malware that compromises their devices, leading to further exploitation.

Holiday payments on behalf of government agencies

Fraudsters impersonate government authorities, promising fictitious payments in celebration of the holidays.

This scam has been reported in several African countries, including Kenya and Nigeria.

To receive payment, victims are directed to fill out a survey which requires personal details like name and phone number.

Once the survey is completed the user is asked to share the link to the announcement with their connections via WhatsApp.

These details are collected and added to fraudulent databases, then sold to third parties or used for phishing attacks and identity theft.

This scam exploits trust in government systems and the festive spirit of giving.

Christmas recipe scam

This scam begins with a seemingly harmless email promoting a holiday cake recipe.

Victims are encouraged to pay a small fee to access the recipe.

Once payment is made, the victim’s credit card information is stolen. The fraudsters also collect other personal information essential for accessing banking services.

“Holiday scams are not a new phenomenon, but they have evolved to become increasingly sophisticated, leveraging regional traditions and technology to exploit unsuspecting victims.

The rush of the holidays makes people more vulnerable — they’re distracted, eager to grab a deal, or trust promotions that align with festive themes. Cybercriminals are not just stealing money — they’re building massive databases of personal information that fuel future fraudulent schemes.

The holiday season is a time for joy and giving, but users need to remain vigilant to ensure they’re not unknowingly giving fraudsters the tools to exploit them further,” said Olga Svistunova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

E-Business

Hackers Seize NBS Newly Redesigned Website

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Cybercriminals have persisted in targeting Nigerian government websites, with the most recent attack on the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Hackers Seize NBS Newly Redesigned Website

The NBS confirmed the development in a brief statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account

It said that its newly redesigned official website has been hacked.

The NBS disclosed the incident and assured the public that efforts are underway to recover the website.

It urged the public to disregard any messages or reports posted until the full recovery of its website.

The statement on X read: “This is to inform the public that the NBS website has been hacked, and we are working to recover it. Please disregard any message or report posted until the website is fully restored.”

The NBS plays a vital role in Nigeria’s development, serving as the official statistical agency responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating statistical data on the country’s economy, governance, and development

This marks the latest in a series of attacks on Nigerian government websites, a trend that has been ongoing for some years.

From government ministries to officials, cyberattacks in Nigeria have surged to alarming levels, with even financial institutions falling victim.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) frequently issue warnings of cybercriminals targeting individuals, government entities, banks, and telecom companies.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending