Hackers Exploit Russian Smart Homes to Mine Crypto
Hackers are exploiting weaknesses in smart home appliances across Russia to build botnets for cryptocurrency mining and conducting DDoS attacks, Russia’s TASS news agency reports.
Cybercrooks Turn Smart Homes into Botnets
A March 24 report, citing an agency of law enforcement, says that hackers have been invading smart home networks in order to commandeer connected devices. The hijacked devices are used as part of botnets—networks of automated systems controlled from a distance—to mine cryptocurrencies and launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on websites.
Surveillance Potential Raises Alarm
In addition to crypto mining, attackers might also employ smart devices to spy, authorities warn. Toothbrushes, thermostat sensors, and even security cameras might be exploited to tap into user behavior and check if residents are at home. However, no additional information on attack methods or devices compromised was disclosed.
A Larger Trend of Crypto-Themed Malware
This is not the first that hackers have used unconventional methods to take over crypto. In 2022, malicious software was found hidden in pirated films offered through torrents. When downloaded, it planted malicious code in browsers like Firefox with the aim of stealing Bitcoin and Ethereum by replacing wallet addresses. Malware also hijacked search results and even redirected Wikipedia donations to attacker-controlled wallets.
Emerging Threat to IoT Security
The hacking of Russian smart homes exposes a bigger vulnerability in Internet of Things (IoT) devices worldwide. With increasingly more homes becoming interconnected, security specialists are sounding an alarm about needing to safeguard daily devices from being hacked in large-scale cybercrime attacks.
