Hackers are using malware called Digmine to trick Facebook Messenger users into mining cryptocurrency for them.
Victims receive a file called "video_xxxx.zip" in Facebook Messenger. If they click on the file, their computer is infected with Digmine, which gives hackers control over their machine. Hackers then use their victims' CPU power to surreptitiously mine cryptocurrencies.
Digmine will slow down victims' computers. It will also target their Facebook friends by sending them a link containing the malware in Messenger.
Digmine, which was first discovered in South Korea, has already moved into South Asia and may soon invade India. It can only spread through the desktop version of Messenger when used on Google Chrome.
Facebook has worked with the cybersecurity firm that discovered Digmine to remove links containing the malware. Facebook is also providing a free anti-virus scan for any computer believed to be infected with Digmine.
Other recent cryptocurrency mining malware has targeted Android, Google Play Store, and video streaming service users. Vishal Aaditya Kundu "Beware! Cryptocurrency Malware Spreading Through Facebook Messenger!" trak.in (Dec. 27, 2017).