Bitcoin (BTC) is a digital currency that has surged in popularity since the start of the year, according to
PC World. Currency traders are attracted to Bitcoin, but it is also attracting cybercriminals.
A special algorithm on computers, using their CPU and GPU resources, generates Bitcoins. This is known as Bitcoin mining, and users who operate multi-GPU computer rigs are usually the ones who perform Bitcoin mining. Mining efforts can be pooled in order to achieve better results.
BTCs are generated according to a special algorithm on computers using their CPU and GPU resources. This operation is called Bitcoin mining and is usually performed by users who operate multi-GPU computer rigs. However, mining efforts can also be pooled for better results.
According to
VentureBeat, researchers at Kaspersky Lab said that the malware only infects PCs, but similar attacks have infected Macs. The malware is distributed through Skype messages that trick people into clicking a link, that will say something among the lines as "I can't believe this photo of you!" Once the user clicks the link, the malware downloads onto the PC and the PC's CPU starts getting used up.
According to
The Next Web, most anti-malware programs cannot detect the malware.
Cybercriminals then use the Bitcoins to make a profit, while users' PCs become very slow, to the point where the PC is unstable or becomes unusable.
