Cryptocurrency an Easy Target
Joe Stewart and Pat Litke of Dell SecureWorks Discuss ThreatsResearchers at Dell SecureWorks have identified some 146 unique malware families that are targeting cryptocurrencies. Approximately 100 of those have emerged in just the last year, says Pat Litke, security analysis adviser for the company's CyberThreat unit.
Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are prime targets, adds Joe Stewart, director of the company's malware research team. "They're easy to cash out and trade for currency," he says. What's more, cryptocurrencies are virtually untraceable.
During an interview at the RSA Conference 2014, Stewart and Litke discuss:
- Varying strains of emerging cryptocurrency malware seen in the wild;
- What could spur more action from law enforcement; and
- Why split wallets are providing a secure alternative to other forms of cryptocurrency use.
Stewart is a leading expert on malware and Internet threats and is a frequent commentator on security issues. He has presented his security research at numerous conferences. Litke recently co-wrote the research paper: "Enterprise Practices for Crypto Currency Adoption" with Stewart.
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