The Persistence of MyKings

For those who think they can dodge the digital bullets flying around the internet, let’s talk about MyKings, the notorious crypto mining botnet that has been lurking in the shadows since 2016. This digital parasite thrives on unsuspecting users who might just want to share a cute cat video. Or, you know, a modified JPEG of Taylor Swift. Because who wouldn’t want some catchy tunes in the background of their malware, right?

How MyKings Works

Named after its notorious connections with DarkCloud and Smominru, MyKings targets “underpatched, low-hanging fruit”—basically, any weak server that hasn’t had the software equivalent of a good shower. These bad actors primarily focus on Windows-based services, custom database systems, and unsecured network protocols. Think of it as a digital buffet featuring delicacies like Telnet and MqSQL vulnerabilities.

Bootkits: A Game Changer

In a twist worthy of a Hollywood movie, MyKings recently upgraded its arsenal with bootkit functionality. What’s a bootkit, you ask? It’s like finding out your friendly neighborhood superhero has an unstoppable sidekick! This makes detection and removal a real pain for system administrators. If you thought removing MyKings from your system was easy, think again!

The Monero Milking Machine

With an estimated $3 million worth of Monero (“XMR”) illicitly mined, the folks behind MyKings are likely sipping piña coladas in a tropical paradise—well, at least if they can figure out what sunlight is. Currently, they rake in about $300 per day, all thanks to the ‘Forshare’ Trojan, which ensures their crypto miners are up and running. And just to keep the fun going, it frequently hides in friendly .jpg files!

Where the Infected Are

So, where do the victims of this botnet reside? If your common sense didn’t lead you here, brace yourself: A significant number of the infected systems are found in countries like China, Russia, Brazil, and even the good ol’ U.S. A little perspective: if you’re sitting in your living room right now, you might want to look around—your neighbor could very well be boasting a secret stash of Monero thanks to MyKings.

A Final Note on Cyber Crime

As we wrap up our dive into the murky waters of this crypto mining botnet, it’s crucial to keep informed and vigilant. With cybercriminals being as crafty as they are, the holiday season can often mean increased risks. Just remember: that JPEG you’re about to download could be more than just a picture of a pop star.