Hackers target malicious Bitcoin apps to steal money, personal information, report says

Caption: Bitcoin

According to a report by CNBC on January 25, Beijing time, a research report said that hackers are now targeting app stores such as Apple and Google that are full of malicious cryptocurrency apps, using these apps to steal money and personal data.

Researchers at cybersecurity firm RiskIQ analyzed more than 18,000 apps to find those blacklisted by cybersecurity vendors. They found 661 blacklisted cryptocurrency apps in 20 app stores, including Apple's App Store and Google Play.

The report said that Google Play had the most malicious cryptocurrency apps, with a total of 272 available for download. "In the lawless digital world, criminals around the world are exploiting cryptocurrency as a hostile currency," Fabian Libeau, vice president of RiskIQ Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Investors should thoroughly research the exchanges and wallet apps they intend to use before submitting any cash or personal data. By checking the developer name, user reviews, and the number of app downloads, investors can assess the app’s validity and feel more confident about their choice,” Libby said.

The report said hackers used applications with words such as "Bitcoin exchange", "Bitcoin wallet" and "cryptocurrency" in their descriptions to attract potential victims.

Cybersecurity has become a growing concern in the cryptocurrency industry as investor interest in Bitcoin and other digital currencies has soared. Last month, cryptocurrency mining network Nice Hash admitted that it had been hacked in a cyberattack that resulted in the theft of tens of millions of dollars in digital currency. In the same month, South Korean virtual currency exchange Youbit operator Yapian announced that it had filed for bankruptcy after a second hack that resulted in the theft of 17% of Youbit's cryptocurrency.