Image by Marco Verch, from Ccnull
Hackers Use TRUMP Coin Scam To Spread Malware Via Fake Binance Emails
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
Hackers are using a fake Binance website and the promise of TRUMP cryptocurrency to trick victims into installing malware, cybersecurity researchers warn.
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- Victims unknowingly install ConnectWise RAT instead of Binance’s desktop platform.
- Hackers take remote control of infected computers in under two minutes.
- The fake website mimics Binance and TRUMP coin pages to appear legitimate.
The phishing campaign, uncovered by Cofense , impersonates Binance—the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange—offering users a chance to earn TRUMP coins by downloading Binance software and making deposits. Instead, victims end up installing a remote access tool (RAT) that grants hackers control over their computers in under two minutes.
Trump announced the TRUMP coin in January, with companies tied to him allegedly making millions from it. While the cryptocurrency itself is controversial, the phishing scam raises further concerns about cybercrime targeting political supporters, as reported by The Record .
Max Gannon, Intelligence Manager at Cofense, explained the severity of the attack: “Some campaigns have been spoofing LinkedIn, others Binance, Virtru, and even the United States Social Security Administration. Part of the reason it has likely become so popular recently is that it has a lot of features and is free to use and easy to set up,” reported The Record.
“Moreover because it is technically legitimate there are a large number of files that it uses which cannot simply be blocked because they are also used by legitimate installations of ConnectWise RAT,” he added.
The emails convincingly mimic Binance’s branding, even including risk warnings to appear more legitimate. The scam’s fake website also closely resembles Binance and TRUMP coin pages, using real images from both platforms.
However, instead of providing a Binance client, the site delivers a modified version of ConnectWise RAT, a tool that allows cybercriminals to take over infected computers remotely. Once a device is compromised, the attacker wastes no time.
“Shortly after checking in, the threat actor takes remote control of any infected computers. This is in contrast to most ConnectWise RAT installations where the threat actor will only decide to interact with an infected host after some time has passed,” Cofense explained.
Attackers immediately target saved passwords, particularly from browsers like Microsoft Edge. The campaign demonstrates the growing trend of cybercriminals using real-world news and political events to enhance their scams. By leveraging Trump’s highly publicized cryptocurrency, hackers have found an effective way to lure victims.
Cofense explained that ConnectWise RAT’s simplicity makes it accessible to hackers of all skill levels, from inexperienced individuals to advanced persistent threat (APT) groups seeking to conceal their activities.
Security experts advise users to be cautious of unsolicited emails and to avoid clicking links promising financial opportunities. Instead, they recommend visiting official cryptocurrency websites directly to prevent falling victim to scams.
Image by Oleksandr-lobkov, from Goodfon
Sony Tests AI-Powered PlayStation Characters, Including Aloy Prototype
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
Sony tested AI-powered PlayStation characters, including Aloy, sparking debate on AI’s gaming role after a leaked video.
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- The AI demo uses GPT-4, Llama 3, OpenAI’s Whisper, and Sony’s internal voice synthesis technology.
- The leaked video was pulled from YouTube after a copyright claim linked to Sony.
- AI in gaming is controversial due to job concerns and its impact on creativity.
The Verge first reported on the video, which showcased an experimental AI version of Aloy responding to voice prompts with AI-generated speech and facial animations. Shortly after publication, the video was removed from YouTube following a copyright claim by Muso, a company linked to Sony Interactive Entertainment.
The video, narrated by Sony software engineering director Sharwin Raghoebardajal, demonstrates how the AI-powered Aloy can engage in conversations.
It utilizes OpenAI’s Whisper for speech-to-text, GPT-4 and Llama 3 for dialogue, Sony’s Emotional Voice Synthesis (EVS) for speech, and the company’s Mockingbird technology for facial animation. “This is just a glimpse of what is possible,” Raghoebardajal says in the video, as reported by The Verge.
Sony developed the prototype in collaboration with Horizon developer Guerrilla Games. While the demo was primarily tested on PC, Sony has reportedly experimented with running it on PS5 with minimal performance impact, says The Verge.
The technology was first showcased internally a year ago, with a more refined version presented behind closed doors at the Sony Technology Exchange Fair (STEF) in Tokyo last November, as reported by The Verge. The leaked footage has raised concerns within the gaming industry, particularly among voice actors and developers.
IGN reports how the AI-generated voice of Aloy does not belong to Ashly Burch, the character’s original actor, sparking debates on AI’s role in game development. Some viewers also noted that AI Aloy’s speech felt robotic, with stiff facial movements and lifeless eyes.
The broader gaming industry has been exploring similar AI implementations. Nvidia has been developing AI-driven non-playable characters (NPCs) under its “ ACE ” program, , allowing players to engage in real-time conversations with in-game characters.
AI-powered NPCs could transform open-world storytelling by making interactions more dynamic and immersive. Supporters argue that AI can personalize quests based on player choices, creating more meaningful experiences, as reported by Medium .
NPCs could remember past encounters, altering their dialogue accordingly. AI-driven characters may also adapt their tone and responses to match emotional situations, making conversations feel more realistic.
Additionally, AI can adjust difficulty levels and enemy behaviors in real-time for a balanced experience.
Microsoft, meanwhile, is partnering with Inworld AI to introduce generative AI features for Xbox developers, as noted by The Verge.
Additionally, Ubisoft’s NEO NPC, launched in March 2024 with Nvidia and Inworld AI, enables real-time, dynamic NPC interactions. Powered by Nvidia’s Audio2Face and Inworld’s language model, the AI syncs facial animations with speech, generating context-aware responses.
The rise of AI in game development is controversial. A recent Game Developers Conference (GDC) survey found that nearly half of respondents use generative AI in their workplaces, but concerns remain about its impact on jobs and creativity. Critics argue AI in gaming could weaken storytelling by replacing human-crafted narratives.
Medium reports that concerns include robotic dialogue, loss of emotional depth, and job displacement for writers and voice actors. While AI mimics patterns, it lacks true creativity, raising fears that games may lose the nuance and authenticity human storytellers provide.
IGN notes that companies like EA and Capcom have embraced AI for content generation, while others, such as Keywords Studios, have acknowledged AI’s current limitations, noting that it failed to replace human creativity in game development.
Sony has yet to announce plans to integrate AI-driven characters into PlayStation games. The timing of the leak—just ahead of GDC 2024—ensures AI in gaming will remain a key topic of discussion.
