Crypto-Stealing Malware Surges as Scammers Impersonate AI, Web3 Startups

A sophisticated wave of crypto-stealing malware is proliferating across digital platforms, with scammers impersonating AI, gaming, and Web3 startups to deceive victims. Cybersecurity firm Darktrace reports that these campaigns employ elaborate social engineering tactics, leveraging fake company websites, social media profiles, and even GitHub repositories to appear legitimate.

Attackers are creating convincing facades, complete with whitepapers and team pages on platforms like Notion. Verified or compromised X (formerly Twitter) accounts further bolster the illusion, posting software updates and product announcements to maintain credibility. Victims are often approached directly on Telegram, Discord, or X, lured by offers of cryptocurrency in exchange for testing malicious software.

Darktrace warns that the malware is distributed through professional-looking websites, where users are prompted to download infected applications. The global reach of this scam underscores the growing sophistication of crypto-related cyber threats.