Palo Alto Networks Uncovers Flash Updater Cryptojacking Campaign

In addition to getting a legitimate Flash Player update, victims of a new campaign uncovered by Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42 also got the XMRig cryptocurrency mining software. The scourge that is unauthorized cryptocurrency mining, often referred to as cryptojacking, is a phenomenon that has been on the rise in 2018, and it could get even worse. A new report from Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42 research group published on Oct. 11, details a new effort where attackers are masquerading as legitimate Adobe Flash updaters in order to install unauthorized cryptocurrency mining software on victims' systems. According to Palo Alto Networks, the fake updaters are stealthier than what has been seen before.