YouTubers Being Blackmailed To Spread Crypto Malware

Cybercriminals are blackmailing YouTubers to promote crypto-mining malware, using YouTube’s copyright strike system to pressure creators into adding malicious links to video descriptions.

Haider Jamal
March 13, 2025

Threats Escalate

The malware, ‘SilentCryptoMiner’, secretly mines cryptocurrencies like ETH and XMR while hiding its activity. When YouTubers tried to fight back, the criminals escalated by threatening to take down their channels over alleged copyright violations, forcing many to comply.

Source: GitHub

Kaspersky has identified over 2.4 million cases of cybercriminals manipulating network traffic using Windows Packet Divert drivers, bypassing security and maintaining access to infected devices. These tactics may also spread to other platforms, like Telegram.

Staying Safe

In another discovery, Kaspersky found a data-stealing Trojan called SparkCat, active since March 2024 on the App Store and Google Play, targeting sensitive information in image galleries.

Elsewhere, Arkham recently introduced the ‘Key Opinion Leader (KOL) Label’ to track the wallets of influencers with over 100,000 followers, helping investors verify the authenticity of their crypto endorsements.

Still, experts advise caution online and urge everyone to avoid unverified downloads, question influencer promotions, and stay informed on the latest cybersecurity risks.

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Haider Jamal

Content Strategist

Haider is a fintech enthusiast and Content Strategist at CryptoWeekly with over four years in the Crypto & Blockchain industry. He began his writing journey with a blog after graduating from Monash University Malaysia. Passionate about storytelling and content creation, he blends creativity with insight. Haider is driven to grow professionally while always seeking the next big idea.