Image by Brian J. Trom, from Unsplash

“ModStealer” Malware Targets Crypto Wallets, Evades Antivirus Detection

• Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
• Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

ModStealer is a new cross-platform malware that evades antivirus tools, spreads through fake job ads, and steals crypto wallets credentials.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

• ModStealer spreads through fake job ads targeting developers.
• Malware steals crypto wallets, credentials, and configuration details.
• It bypasses antivirus detection using obfuscated NodeJS code.

The cybersecurity company Mosyle detected a dangerous new malware that steals sensitive information while evading detection from standard antivirus systems. The security community discovered ModStealer malware on VirusTotal nearly a month ago yet has gone unnoticed by major security engines.

The disguised NodeJS JavaScript file runs on victim computers without triggering any alerts from typical antivirus software.

The malware’s primary target is personal data. The researchers found a programming code which targets cryptocurrency wallets, login credentials, configuration details, and certificates.

The malware contains pre-programmed attacks against 56 browser wallet extensions, including Safari, which enables hackers to steal private keys, and account details.

ModStealer is also capable of clipboard capture, screen capture, and even remote code execution. “The first two are bad, but the latter can give attackers nearly complete control over infected devices,” Mosyle explained, as reported by 9to5Mac.

On macOS, the malware uses Apple’s own launchctl tool to embed itself as a LaunchAgent, giving it persistence on infected machines. The malware functions in stealth mode, collecting system data which it then transfers to a Finnish server connected to a German-based infrastructure. In this way it hides the attackers’ actual location.

9to5Mac reports that Mosyle believes ModStealer is part of a growing Malware-as-a-Service market, where professional hackers sell ready-made malware to less skilled criminals.

“For security professionals, developers, and end users alike, this serves as a stark reminder that signature-based protections alone are not enough,” Mosyle warns, as reported by 9to5Mac.

Image by World Economic Forum, from Flickr

Albania Appoints AI Bot As Minister to Fight Corruption

• Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
• Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

The government of Albania made history by appointing Diella, an AI bot, as cabinet minister to oversee public tender and tackle corruption.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

• Diella’s role is to manage public tenders and curb corruption.
• Prime Minister Edi Rama said tenders will be “100% free of corruption.”
• Opposition lawmakers call Diella unconstitutional and “buffoonery.”

Albania has become the first country in the world to appoint an AI “minister” to fight corruption, stirring both praise and skepticism.

Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced the bot, named Diella as part of his new cabinet. “Diella is the first cabinet member who isn’t physically present, but is virtually created by AI,” Rama said, as reported by Reuters .

He promised that with her oversight, “public tenders will be 100 percent free of corruption,” reported Aljazeera .

Reuters notes that the European Union membership process for Albania faces challenges as the country has struggled to resolve its public tender corruption issues which have harmed its international reputation. The Socialist Party under Rama secured its fourth consecutive victory in May 2024, and established a goal to achieve EU membership by 2027.

AP News reports that Diella was created with the help of Microsoft and first launched earlier this year as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform. There, she has helped citizens access about one million documents and provided nearly 1,000 services. Depicted in traditional folk costume, Diella also issues official documents electronically, aiming to cut bureaucratic delays.

The implementation of Diella faces support from those who believe it will enhance government operations, yet faces opposition regarding its legal status. Lawmakers will soon vote on Rama’s cabinet, however it remains uncertain whether Diella will receive official recognition as a virtual member.

Gazmend Bardhi, leader of the opposition Democrats, said he considered the move unconstitutional. “Prime minister’s buffoonery cannot be turned into legal acts of the Albanian state,” Bardhi posted on Facebook, as noted by AP News.

Reuters reports that ordinary citizens have also expressed doubts. One Facebook user wrote: “Even Diella will be corrupted in Albania.” Another added: “Stealing will continue and Diella will be blamed.”

Rama has not clarified what human oversight will exist for the AI or how risks of manipulation will be managed.