The potential of cryptocurrencies for moonshot continues to attract more investors to the market, as crypto trading is seen as one of the best ways to make money online. However, as crypto is becoming popular around the world, it has become a hotbed of scammers who are devising various fraudulent activities. One of these scams is clipboard jacking, which you may not be aware of. So let’s dive deep into this type of attack and how to protect your crypto.
What Is Clipboard Jacking?
Clipboard jacking is a cyber attack in which an attacker uses malware or trojan to intercept the data a user copies to their clipboard. This may include sensitive information such as crypto addresses or passwords. The attacker then replaces this information with data that they control such that when the user pastes the data, they unknowingly send it to the attacker.
This is a type of crypto address poisoning in which cybercriminals take advantage of the fact that most people cannot memorize crypto addresses. So this makes it easy for the malicious actor to transfer the coins or tokens to their replaced wallets. Unsuspecting users will only get to know when the assets they transferred did not reach the intended destination.
How Clipboards Are Hijacked
Attackers use a number of ways to take control of your device clipboard. They commonly use malware that users unknowingly download and install on their personal computers or mobile phones. This can be via adult sites, fake websites, or by tacking it onto legit programs and apps on free software and file-sharing sites.
This malware continues spying on the clipboard until it detects a copied wallet address or any sensitive information. It will alter the contents of the clipboard by replacing the legitimate data with different information controlled by the attacker. This can also be the case for credit/debit card information for users who are making online payments.
Some of the harmful malware that uses clipboard tricks are:
- CryptoShuffler: This malware targets crypto wallets by changing the wallet address you copy such that funds are transferred to the hackers and not the original destination.
- Malicious Tor Browser: This malware watches what you copy and paste during crypto transactions as it tends to steal your assets.
Furthermore, hackers can use websites or web applications to attack unsuspecting crypto users. Here, the attacker may embed malicious code into a webpage, which can access the clipboard data of the user’s devices when information is copied and pasted from the webpage. So this allows the attacker to steal sensitive information such as login details or wallet credentials.
How To Protect Your Crypto From Clipboard Jacking
1. Install Robust Antivirus
It is imperative to have a robust antivirus suite that will detect and protect your crypto from unauthorized access that may result in the loss of funds. This is important for crypto wallets, especially software wallets and self-custodial wallets which are mostly available online.
Hackers can employ clipboard jacking to exploit the wallets, as it is similar to phishing attacks, one of the common crypto scams. This is why you must always use an effective antivirus to guard your devices from malicious actors.
2. Install The Latest Updates
You must always install the latest security patches and updates on your device. This plays a big role in warding off security breaches and malware attacks. However, you may be attacked if your device’s operating system is not updated, as hackers may easily exploit its vulnerability to control how it works.
3. Download Programs From Official Sources
If you are using a software wallet, you need to be wary of downloading software from third parties or malicious websites. These are often the major causes of malware that may result in clipboard jacking. Therefore, ensure to download programs from time-tested and reliable sources.
4. Be Cautious
Malware cannot infiltrate your system without a certain level of user interaction. This is why you must be cautious of activities or clicks you make online. For instance, free software with no reviews or official sources is a red flag.
In addition, you must always verify the crypto wallet address you paste before sending the funds. This ensures you send the transfer crypto to the legitimate wallet address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Clipboard Jacking
How Does Clipboard Jacking Work?
Clipboard jacking involves the attacker using malware or trojan to replace users’ sensitive information when copied and pasted on the clipboard. Malicious entities can steal unsuspecting user’s crypto assets with this method.
What Is The Difference Between Cryptojacking And Clipboard Jacking?
Cryptojacking is a cybercrime involving cybercriminals’ unauthorized use of people’s devices (computers or smartphones) to mine cryptocurrency. On the other hand, clipboard jacking is when attackers use malware to replace the information that users copy and paste from their clipboards.
Can My Crypto Be Safe From Clipboard Jacking?
Your crypto can only be safe from clipboard jacking if you use effective antivirus software and avoid untrusted sites.
Conclusion
Cybercriminals continue to invest in different strategies to attack crypto users and steal their funds, as with clipboard jacking. So while clipboard jacking is not the only attack you can fall victim to on the internet, it is essential to know how you can avoid it, especially if you’re dealing with crypto transactions.
