Crypto Thieves Get Sneakier: What You Need to Know

Crypto theft is getting more organized. It's not just random hackers anymore; it's a full-blown business. This is according to a recent report that sheds light on how thieves are using advanced tools to steal crypto keys. These tools can dig through files, documents, and even chat histories to find seed phrases. Once they have these, they can take control of someone's crypto wallet. The report warns that this is a growing threat and urges the crypto industry to step up its security game. The process starts with malware. Hackers infect devices with malware to steal data. This data is then fed into special tools that can reconstruct seed phrases and private keys. Once the thieves find valuable wallets, they figure out how to bypass security measures to drain the funds. Malware infostealers, which silently harvest data from devices, are becoming more common. Even macOS users, who once thought they were safe, are now targets. These infostealers use tricks like fake installers, poisoned ads, or phishing campaigns to get into devices. So, how can users protect themselves? The report suggests assuming that all local device data could be compromised. It's important to never store seed phrases digitally and to use multiparty approval for transactions. Secure custody systems are also recommended. To stay safe, users should be cautious with attachments and links. They should avoid software from untrusted sources and be wary of scams that exploit macOS' reputation for security. Strong, unique passwords, multifactor authentication, and keeping macOS and all applications up to date are also crucial.