What is MoneroGat?
In December 2020, security researchers at Bleeping Computer discovered a new strain of Linux malware that was using the Golang-based XMRig mining tool to mine Monero cryptocurrency. The malware, dubbed “MoneroGat” by the researchers, was found to be actively spreading across Linux servers and workstations. In this article, we will take a closer look at the MoneroGat malware, its impact, and how to protect against it.
MoneroGat is a type of malware that infects Linux servers and workstations to mine Monero cryptocurrency. It is designed to run silently in the background, using the infected system’s processing power to generate Monero coins for the attackers. The malware was first discovered in December 2020 and is believed to have been active for several months before that.
How does MoneroGat work?
MoneroGat is typically spread through phishing emails or by exploiting vulnerabilities in unpatched software on Linux systems. Once it infects a system, it installs the Golang-based XMRig mining tool and begins mining Monero cryptocurrency. The malware is designed to run quietly in the background, so it may be difficult to detect without specialized security tools.
Impact of MoneroGat
The impact of MoneroGat can be significant for affected organizations. The malware can slow down infected systems, causing performance issues for users. It can also consume significant amounts of electricity, leading to higher energy bills for organizations. Additionally, MoneroGat can be used as a backdoor to gain access to sensitive data on infected systems, putting organizations at risk of data breaches.
How to protect against MoneroGat
Protecting against MoneroGat requires a multi-layered approach. First, organizations should ensure that all software on their Linux systems is up to date and patched against known vulnerabilities. Second, organizations should implement strong email security measures to prevent phishing emails from reaching employees. Third, organizations should deploy endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malware like MoneroGat. Finally, organizations should educate their employees on how to identify and avoid phishing emails and other common attack vectors.
Conclusion:
MoneroGat is a new strain of Linux malware that is actively spreading across servers and workstations. It uses the Golang-based XMRig mining tool to mine Monero cryptocurrency, causing performance issues and higher energy bills for affected organizations. Protecting against MoneroGat requires a multi-layered approach that includes software patching, email security, endpoint protection, and employee education. By taking these steps, organizations can reduce their risk of falling victim to this and other types of malware.
