When browsing the Internet we can find security threats of all kinds. Some may steal passwords and personal data, others affect the operation of the network, other times encrypt files and ask for money in return… All this can affect both domestic users as well as companies and organizations. In this article we are going to talk about what the Cryware, how it affects us and how to avoid it.

What is Cryware

Cryware is directly related to cryptocurrencies. Digital currencies are widely used today as an investment method, but also to be able to make purchases online. But the truth is that they are the target of hackers to launch very diverse attacks and steal them.

We can say that a Cryware is a information thief related to cryptocurrencies. They are in charge of collecting user data, such as credentials and passwords, and in this way they can enter the accounts or intercept a payment that we make. These attacks usually result in the theft of all kinds of cryptocurrencies or fraudulent transfers.

These types of attacks have grown considerably in recent years, at the same rate as the use of cryptocurrencies. Hackers know they have a great opportunity as there are many sloppy users who buy and sell cryptocurrencies on the Internet and often do not take the appropriate measures.

It's about a irreversible attack. That is, once the cryptocurrencies have been stolen there is no way to reverse the situation. We lose those digital currencies, since they are automatic transactions and there is no way of knowing where you are going or who is going to receive them.

But Cryware is not only stealing cryptocurrencies, but they can also use your system resources to mine digital coins without you noticing. It is what is also known as cryptocurrency miners. They will use the power of a computer, for example, to extract cryptocurrencies in a hidden way.

How they can attack you

You may be wondering how they can attack you with these kinds of threats. They can use different methods for it. Basically they will act as with other similar security threats that you can find online. The objective is going to be to control your cryptocurrencies or even undermine them.

A very common technique is to use keyloggers. It is a type of malware that is responsible for collecting the keystrokes that we put on the computer or mobile. This also includes passwords, so they are going to find out what is the key to access an account where we store cryptocurrencies or a program from which we send or receive cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoins, Ethereums or whatever.

They can also use the technique of impersonation. They are going to create a website identical to the legitimate one, but it is actually a scam. It is a Phishing attack, like many others that exist on the net. By entering those sites and putting the data, They are going to end up on a server controlled by hackers.

Another type of strategy they use is to strain malicious software as if it were an official program. For example, an alleged application to send and receive cryptocurrencies that simulates belonging to a popular service but has nothing to do with it.

What to do to avoid it

Therefore, as you have seen, Cryware is a threat that will put your cryptocurrencies at risk. It can attack you in different ways, making it essential to be protected and not make mistakes. We are going to give a series of recommendations to avoid problems and always maintain security.

Common sense

The first and most important thing is don't make mistakes. Common sense is essential to be protected against scams and threats of all kinds. Normally hackers are going to need us to do something wrong, such as clicking a fake link, downloading something malicious, etc.

If you avoid making habitual mistakes of this kind, You will have a lot of livestock in order to be protected from Cryware and other similar security threats that may put your cryptocurrencies or systems in general at risk.

Use security programs

Another important point is to have a good one installed antivirus. Having security applications will help us detect threats that may reach our equipment. You can notify us if we have mistakenly downloaded a file that can be a Cryware or any other variety of malware.

You will find many programs available that can help you. Some examples are Windows Defender itself, Bitdefender or Avast. Although you will have both free and paid options, it is important that you choose one of guarantees, that works well, with good reviews on the Internet.

Install official software

Of course, something that cannot be missing is to install the programs from official sources. You can go directly to the website of that application and download it from there or use reliable application stores, such as Google Play. In this way you will avoid installing software that could have been maliciously modified.

Cybercriminals can sneak fake programs online. Basically they pretend to be legitimate, but they contain malware and that could steal your passwords and make your cryptocurrencies unprotected. Always avoid applications that may be unsafe.

Use physical wallets

You can also consider the option of having physical wallets. Basically it's a physical device where you are going to store your cryptocurrencies and you are going to have them protected at all times. The only way you have problems is if you lose that device or for some reason it breaks down.

Unlike having cryptocurrencies in online applications, in this case they will not be so exposed to possible vulnerabilities or intruders that they can steal your passwords and enter the accounts.

Have everything updated

To achieve good security, another important factor is to always keep everything updated. This should apply both to programs that use cryptocurrencies, as well as to the browser, operating system or any software that, ultimately, can be exploited by an attacker.

In the case of Windows, to update it you have to go to Start, you go to Configuration and you access Windows Update. There you will see possible pending updates that may exist and will be installed automatically. This is something that you should review periodically to always have the latest versions.

In short, as you have seen, Cryware is a security problem that affects cryptocurrencies. They can steal from you in different ways, as well as even use your devices to mine cryptocurrencies. However, you can take into account the advice we have given to improve safety and security.