Google Cloud detects crypto-mining malware on virtual machines

This is a shot in the arm for Google Cloud users who are at risk of cryptocurrency mining attacks. The Google Cyber ​​Security Action Team (GCAT) has created a threat detection service to protect “misconfigured” accounts that attackers use to mine cryptocurrencies.

In a blog post, Google Cloud announced the release of Virtual Machine Threat Detection (VMTD) in its Security Command Center (SCC) region. As a method of scanning compute engines in Google Cloud, VMTD successfully detected threats, including crypto-mining malware used inside virtual machines.

crypto mining malware attack, Sometimes called “cryptojacking”, is an ongoing problem in the industry.although Browser-based cryptojacking activity surges Amid the bear market of 2019, cloud-based cryptocurrency mining continued to plague the space.

Cointelegraph reported last November that of the 50 incidents it analyzed related to compromised Google Cloud protocols, 86% are related to crypto mining. Google’s “Threat Horizon” Report Emphasizes that hackers may try to hijack GPU space to mine cryptocurrencies, as it is a “cloud resource-intensive for-profit activity.”

After receiving the data, Google’s cybersecurity action team attempted to rectify the situation and build better protections for its virtual machine users.

The result is VMTD, a program that provides agentless memory scanning to help detect threats like crypto-mining malware. In addition to providing coin mining protection, VMTD also protects users from data breaches and ransomware.

Ransomware attacks are booming in 2021, reaching a peak in April 2021. Some Commentators see an increase in ransomware attacks Going hand in hand with the meteoric rise of cryptocurrencies; Regulators and industry players have worked hard to curb this misconduct.

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Regarding crypto-mining malware attacks, Google has made a concerted effort to stop malicious actors exploiting the CPU power and electricity of unsuspecting internet users to mine cryptocurrencies. In 2018, Over 55% of businesses worldwide are reportedly affectedincluding Google’s Youtube.

VMTD will steadily integrate with the rest of Google Cloud over the next few months, benefiting more Google Cloud users.