Hackers blackmail and force YouTuber to spread cryptocurrency mining malware

Urgent warning to the YouTuber community, as a large-scale extortion campaign is targeting content creators, forcing them to spread cryptocurrency mining malware on their channels.

Hackers are using fake copyright claims to threaten YouTubers, especially in Russia, by asking victims to post a malware download link disguised as an 'update' tool or an official GitHub download link, according to a report from Kaspersky.

Hackers blackmail and force YouTuber to spread cryptocurrency mining malware Picture 1

However, this is actually the SilentCryptoMiner cryptocurrency mining software, improved from the infamous XMRig source code, capable of mining cryptocurrencies such as ETH, ETC, XMR and RTM.

Kaspersky recorded more than 40,000 malware downloads from this campaign, and the actual number is likely much higher. A video showing how to use the fake tool attracted more than 400,000 views before being removed.

Cryptocurrency mining malware can severely impact a user's computer performance, causing the device to run slowly, overheat, and even crash. Worse, it can open the door for other types of malware to infiltrate and steal personal data.

This ransomware campaign is a warning about the rise of cyberattacks targeting the online content creation community.

Micah Soto

Update 13 March 2025