Cracks , identified as the main cause of software piracy
Patches implemented in a program with the aim of modifying its functionalities or its original structure are called ” cracks “. As the expert Daniel Medina Sarmiento explains on his blog, it is the main means used for piracy of all types of software.
In addition to being illegal, its use poses a risk to the integrity of computers, since it exposes them to different variants of malware. Currently, multiple cracks have been identified as the main contagion agents, which continue to wreak havoc around the world.
loudminer
It is a malware that acts as a cryptocurrency miner, distributed through multiple VST plugin cracks . It is a resource widely used in the creation of digital sound effects, used in programs designed to interpret musical instruments, highlighting the well-known Massive .
The crack contains instructions that, when completed, install the actual plugins and add Loudminer to the computer without authorization or notice . As VSTs require a similar resource consumption to that used in cryptocurrency mining, the malware works inconspicuously, hindering the user’s activities.
Nameless Trojan
A new Trojan-type malware has been identified by researchers, which is estimated to have infected more than 3.2 million computers. Its activity began in 2018 and has wreaked havoc ever since, being found in software cracks such as video games or web tools.
The damage it has caused has been very serious, stealing up to 26 million user login credentials and personal information. One of the biggest dangers it poses is its ability to activate the computer’s webcam and take a picture of the person.
Ransomware exorcism 2.0
Ransomware are programs capable of encrypting all the files on a computer, which then ask for an amount of money to provide the recovery key. ransomware _ Exorcist has been distributed during the year 2020 to the present, masquerading as a crack of Windows 10 and Microsoft Office 365.
It is usually presented as a .zip format file, which is accompanied by an ISO and an . txt , which has the password of the first. Following the cybercriminal’s instructions , the program will encrypt all the files stored on the computer and provide the victim with a method to recover them.
Crackonosh
It is a malware designed to mine cryptocurrencies without the user’s authorization, being distributed through cracks for paid video games. With more than 3 years in activity, it is estimated that it has infected around 200,000 computers, raising 2 million dollars.
The crack simulates the video game installation process through an executable file, modifying specific files to guarantee its persistence. After the upload is complete, it will start using system resources to mine cryptocurrencies and send them to the criminal.