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Crypto-clipping malware ‘Styx Stealer’ targets Windows computers

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Styx Stealer, a new malware, stealthily swipes cryptocurrency from Windows-based computers.

Cybersecurity firm Check Point Research first identified Styx as a beefier version of Phemodrone Stealer in April. The malware exploited a now-patched Windows vulnerability, hijacking cryptocurrency transactions and stealing sensitive data from compromised systems, such as private keys, browser cookies, and even autofill browser data.

Phemodrone first made waves in early 2024. Unlike Styx Stealer, it focused on web browsers to drain crypto from wallets alongside other information.

Both malware exploit the same loophole in Windows Defender, the operating system’s native antivirus, taking advantage of an old vulnerability in the antivirus’s SmartScreen feature designed to warn users about potentially harmful websites and downloads.

However, Styx presents new threats with the addition of the crypto-clipping mechanism. Basically, the malware monitors the clipboard for changes and then replaces copied cryptocurrency wallet addresses with those belonging to the attacker.

Previously, the Phorpiex botnet was known to use this technique to hijack crypto transactions. 

According to Check Point Research’s findings, Styx can identify wallet addresses across nine blockchains, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Monero (XMR), Ripple (XRP), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Stellar (XLM), Dash (DASH) and Neo (NEO).

Chromium- and Gecko-based browsers, data from browser extensions, Telegram and Discord are especially vulnerable.

The malware’s builder has an autorun feature and a user-friendly graphical interface, making it easier for cybercriminals to customize and deploy it.

Crypto-clipping malware ‘Styx Stealer’ targets Windows computers - 1
Styx Stealer user interface | source: Check Point Research

Styx is also equipped with basic anti-analysis techniques to mask its operations. To evade detection, it terminates processes associated with debugging tools and detects virtual machine environments. If such an environment is detected, Styx Stealer initiates self-deletion.

Available via Telegram

The malware’s distribution and sales are managed manually through the Telegram account @styxencode and the styxcrypter[.]com website. CPR has also discovered advertisements and YouTube videos that promote the malicious software.

At least 54 individuals had sent the Styx developer approximately $9,500 in payments using various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Litecoin. Unlike its successor, which was free, this malware is available with a monthly license for $75, $230 for three months, and $350 for lifetime access.

The amount of crypto funds stolen or the scale of the systems infected using Styx remains unclear.

Crypto-stealing malware has also been found on Apple’s MacOS, as reported by antivirus developer Kaspersky earlier this year. The malware targeted Bitcoin and Exodus wallets by replacing the actual software with an altered version.

Hacks and thefts have become quite profitable as the crypto sector expands, with millions of dollars worth of funds lost yearly. Nevertheless, some infamous threat actors have decided to call it quits.

Last month, Angel Drainer, a drainer-as-a-service malware responsible for over $25 million in thefts, shut down operations. In November, multi-chain crypto scam service Inferno Drainer halted services



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MAGA, FIGHT, and DJT surge as Trump’s crypto project announces WLFI token

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Donald Trump-themed cryptocurrencies surged as World Liberty Financial announced a new governance token.

Fight to MAGA (FIGHT) led the charge with a massive surge of over 150%, pushing its valuation to $10.3 million. TrumpCoin (DJT) also saw a strong rally, climbing 28% to reach $0.00032, its highest since Aug. 7, with daily trading volumes near $1 million. Meanwhile, MAGA (MAGA) rose by 18% over the past day, with a daily trading volume of $11.48 million.

All these gains helped push the total market cap of political-themed tokens past $481 million. Meanwhile, the community sentiment around the tokens had also turned bullish according to Coinmarketcap data.

These tokens rallied after Donald Trump’s crypto initiative, World Liberty Financial, announced its plans to release a governance token named WLFI.

WLFI has been advertised as a non-transferable governance token, allowing holders to propose and vote on platform-related matters. Approximately 63% of the total token supply is designated for public sale, with 17% for user rewards, and the remaining 20% for the team and advisors.

While the token’s launch date remains undisclosed, the project team has confirmed that sales will be limited to accredited investors.

Despite the rise on Sept. 17, political-themed tokens have been experiencing a downturn, with their total market cap now down to $481 million.

These tokens tend to gain prominence during election seasons, potentially losing much of their relevance after the elections conclude. Traders often refer to these as “event coins” because their prices are influenced as the date of the related event approaches.

However, in the short term, these coins could see further gains if Bitcoin (BTC) breaks past its previous high, as meme coins often thrive during Bitcoin’s bull runs. Factors that could drive Bitcoin’s price higher include possible cuts in Federal Reserve rates, a weakening US dollar, and a continuing stock market rally.



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Indian police probe INR 10m crypto investment scam with suspected link to Hong Kong

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Indian police are investigating the “Datameer” crypto trading app, which allegedly duped at least 700 locals out of inr 10 million.

According to a local report, the scheme promised returns of up to 50% to unsuspecting investors who were told their funds were being invested in cryptocurrencies.

Once the investors transferred their money through the fake app, the app shut down, and the scammers disappeared. During the time it was active, the scam managed to dupe investors of more than inr 10 million (roughly $119,000).

India has witnessed a spike in crypto demand despite a lack of solid crypto regulations, and a punishing taxation regime, with the nation managing to claim the top spot in Chainalysis’ 2024 Global Crypto Adoption Index. However, this growing appetite for cryptocurrencies has opened doors for scammers who are exploiting the hype.

The Datameer app, which reportedly surfaced in April 2024 and was active for five months, managed to draw in both small and large investments, Superintendent of Police and Cyber Wing head, Pankaj Kumar Rasgania, noted.

“The scammers lured gullible individuals through social media, encouraging them to invest in a scheme with promises of huge returns in a short period of time,” he added.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the perpetrators behind the app are spread across the country, with some evidence pointing to connections in Hong Kong. Authorities are currently coordinating with cyber wing experts from police forces nationwide, and more information will be disclosed as the investigation progresses.

Scams such as these have raised concerns due to their potential international links, particularly to regions in China. Similar connections have previously surfaced in other cases investigated by Indian authorities.

Back in March, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a charge sheet against 299 entities, including individuals of Chinese origin, under anti-money laundering laws. These entities were tied to a mobile app called “HPZ Token,” which allegedly duped investors with promises of high returns from cryptocurrency mining.

In another case, crypto scammers tricked a doctor in India into transferring over $35,000 in a drugs-in-parcel scam. Authorities found that the stolen funds were funneled through multiple bank accounts, swapped for cryptocurrencies, and transferred to accounts in China and Taiwan.



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Top cryptocurrencies to watch this week

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A rebound push last week saw the global cryptocurrency market cap recover $180 billion amid a 9% surge in valuation. As a result, the crypto market cap recovered the $2 trillion mark to end the week at $2.1 trillion.

Following their impressive contributions to this rally, here are some top cryptocurrencies to watch this week:

BCH crossed 20-day MA

Bitcoin Cash (BCH) surged 9.36% last week, securing its place above $300. Although it faced a minor correction, it closed the week at $327, maintaining an upward trajectory.

Despite the price rise, the BBTrend — or Bollinger Band Trend — remains bearish, signaling weakness in the uptrend.

BCH, ELON, CKB: Top cryptocurrencies to watch this week - 1
BCH 1D chart- Sept. 15 | Source: crypto.news

Volume peaked on Sept. 11, but has since declined, even as the price climbed. This divergence between price and volume could indicate a lack of buying strength. Therefore, the rally may lose steam without renewed volume support.

BCH crossed above the 20-day moving average ($319) on Sept. 11, which now serves as a key support level. If the uptrend continues, BCH could target $340 or $350. 

However, a dip below $319 may signal a retest of $300 or lower. Investors should watch for volume increases to sustain upward momentum.

Bitcoin Cash was developed by a group that believed Bitcoin should be used more as a peer-to-peer digital cash system, as outlined in Satoshi Nakamoto’s original whitepaper, rather than as a store of value or “digital gold,” which has been Bitcoin’s main use case.

ELON performs below par

Dogelon Mars (ELON) gained 6.11% last week, performing below the broader market but managing to stay in the green.

The meme coin spent most of the week below the 20-day moving average ($0.00000012566) until the final day, closing at $0.00000012776.

BCH, ELON, CKB: Top cryptocurrencies to watch this week - 2
ELON 1D chart- Sept. 15 | Source: crypto.news

Currently, ELON is positioned above the 20-day moving average (middle Bollinger Band) and the lower Bollinger Band ($0.00000011944), but below the upper Bollinger Band ($0.00000013075). This suggests it still has room to rise before hitting resistance at the upper band.

The RSI at 46.39 indicates that ELON is not overbought, signaling potential upside momentum. If the bullish trend continues, expect resistance around $0.00000013075, with support at $0.00000011944. 

If it breaks above the upper Bollinger Band, ELON could push higher, but failure to hold above the 20-day MA might lead to a retest of lower levels.

ELON pays homage to both Dogecoin and Elon Musk, whose rocket company — SpaceX — is reportedly working on designs for a Martian city,

CKB tops gainers list

Nervos Network (CKB) was the top performer last week, soaring by 117% to close at $0.01449.

The dramatic rally began on Sept. 13, with a massive 51% intraday spike, the largest gain since February. 

BCH, ELON, CKB: Top cryptocurrencies to watch this week - 3
CKB 1D chart- Sept. 15 | Source: crypto.news

This momentum carried into the new week, with CKB peaking at $0.01762 before pulling back slightly. The Fibonacci pivot levels show immediate resistance at $0.01351, which CKB has surpassed, with support at $0.00845 (pivot) if a retracement occurs. 

The Commodity Channel Index reading of 369 signals extreme overbought conditions, suggesting that while the uptrend is strong, a short-term correction could be on the horizon.

Should a correction happen, investors should look for support around $0.00845, the pivot point.

If CKB maintains its bullish momentum, a breakthrough above its three-month high could trigger further gains. However, watch for consolidation or pullback given the overextended CCI.

The Nervos Network was created by a team of blockchain developers and entrepreneurs with expertise in cryptography. The core team includes co-founders Jan Xie, Terry Tai and Kevin Wang.

The Nervos Common Knowledge Base (CKB) acts as its Layer 1 blockchain.



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