SlowMist Strikes Again Chinese Hackers Exploit Skype Video App in Ingenious Crypto Scam!

Chinese Hackers Use Skype Video App in Latest Scam Targeting Crypto Users SlowMist

Crypto security analytics firm SlowMist just cracked open a can of Chinese fishy business. It turns out there’s a new phishing scam lurking in the depths of the Great Firewall. And what bait are these hackers casting into the digital waters? A fake Skype video app. Talk about a real-time video scam!

Now, you might be wondering, why would anyone want a counterfeit Skype app? Well, it turns out, these crafty hackers are exploiting China’s restriction on international applications. They know people are desperate to get their hands on banned apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, and good old Skype. So, these scammers created a clone of the Skype video app that looks and feels just like the real thing. But don’t let its polished exterior fool you!

The cybersecurity sleuths at SlowMist dove deep into the coding abyss and spotted a discrepancy. The version of the fake app (8.87.0403) didn’t quite match up with the official version (8.107.02.215). Oh, and they also found a sneaky alteration to the widely used Android network framework, “okhttp3.” This mischievous version didn’t just browse innocent directories on your device; it snooped around for crypto users like a detective on the hunt for clues.

But how does this scam work, you ask? Well, it’s a classic case of phishing gone rogue. Once you download the fake Skype app, it starts playing innocent. It kindly asks for permission to access your files and images, just like any other social app. And unsuspecting users, thinking it’s all part of the friendly app experience, grant those requests without a second thought.

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But here’s where the plot thickens—once you’ve given the green light, this sneaky scammer starts collecting all sorts of sensitive data: your images, your device details, your ID documents, and even your phone number. Talk about privacy invasion! It’s like inviting a nosy neighbour into your home and giving them free rein to snoop around.

And that’s not all, folks! This fake Skype app goes the extra mile by scanning your messages for keywords like Tron (TRX) and Ether (ETH), looking for any hidden crypto wallet transfers. And when it spots one, it swiftly swaps out the destination wallet address with a malicious one chosen by the hacker’s group. It’s like a master pickpocket in a crowded market, but instead of swiping your wallet, they replace it with a decoy full of fake cash.

But don’t worry, our superhero cybersecurity team at SlowMist isn’t sitting idly by. They’ve cracked the case wide open. This scam strategy rings a bell—in November 2022, they uncovered a similar con involving a fake Binance hack. These sneaky scammers just can’t resist a good old phishing expedition.

So, what now? Well, SlowMist has flagged and blacklisted all the cryptocurrency addresses linked to this nasty little scam. They’re like a digital sheriff, riding into town and shutting down all the saloons. But here’s a word of caution, my friends: while SlowMist is tirelessly fighting the good fight against fraudsters, it’s always best to keep your wits about you. Stay alert, and remember, not everything that glitters on the internet is gold.

Now, before you go, have you ever encountered a scam like this? How did you protect yourself? Let’s share some stories and help each other navigate the treacherous waters of the digital world!

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