Kaspersky Uncovers StripedFly Malware
Kaspersky, a leading antivirus developer, has revealed the existence of a dangerous malware known as StripedFly. Disguised as a crypto mining software, this stealthy malware has managed to compromise over a million Windows and Linux systems worldwide since 2016. Kaspersky’s cybersecurity team began investigating StripedFly last year after detecting anomalies in their antivirus software that affected certain Windows OS functions.
Investigation Findings
During their investigation, Kaspersky made a significant discovery – StripedFly utilizes a variant of EternalBlue. This exploit, originally developed by the NSA, gained notoriety during the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attacks. StripedFly exploits unpatched Windows systems and can spread to Linux machines within a network. Once inside a system, it can collect sensitive information such as login details and personal data.
Origins and Patch
The origins of StripedFly remain unknown, although it shares techniques with EternalBlue, which was publicly released by the “Shadow Brokers” group in April 2017. However, Kaspersky first detected StripedFly in April 2016. Microsoft has released a patch for EternalBlue that also protects against StripedFly. Unfortunately, due to user behavior of using outdated Windows systems, over a million devices have fallen victim to StripedFly.
Hot Take: Protect Your Systems from Stealthy Malware
StripedFly is a dangerous malware that disguises itself as crypto mining software and compromises millions of Windows and Linux systems globally. To protect your systems from this stealthy threat:
- Ensure your antivirus software is up to date and capable of detecting and blocking StripedFly.
- Regularly update your operating system with the latest patches and security fixes.
- Avoid using outdated Windows systems, as they are more vulnerable to attacks.
- Be cautious when downloading software or files from unknown sources.
By taking these precautions, you can safeguard your devices and personal information from the risks posed by StripedFly and similar malware.