Hackers have a new way to secretly mine crypto on your computer

Cybercriminals have developed a new method to steal cryptocurrency from unsuspecting victims, according to a new report from cybersecurity firm Trend Micro.

Crypto thieves are now utilizing what’s known as a malware dropper to hide malicious code on users’ computers to mine cryptocurrency without the users’ knowledge. It’s a method that popped up in several Asian and South American countries, including Brazil, India, Bangladesh and Kuwait, according to the report.

The new malware’s effectiveness is partly to do with the fact that the code hidden by the dropper is not malicious by itself. Instead, it requires a series of commands to be executed so it can mine cryptocurrency, Trend Micro researchers explained. Through a process known as “hollowing,” the code lies in an inactive state on the target’s computer, remaining undetected. From there, attackers can issue commands at will, causing the code to mine Monero—a cryptocurrency widely popular for its anonymous…