Image by James Yerema, from Unsplash

New Spyware “SparkKitty” Targets Crypto Wallets Through App Store And Google Play

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

Security researchers identified a new spyware named SparkKitty, which steals smartphone photos to access cryptocurrency wallets

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

• Malware disguises as modified popular apps like TikTok on iOS and Android.
• Uses OCR to find crypto wallet seed phrases in stolen images.
• Active since February 2024, spreading through official and unofficial app stores.

The spyware, first reported by Kaspersky , appears to be connected to a previous malware strain known as SparkCat. It has infected several apps on both the App Store and Google Play , although some have already been removed.

The researchers explain that SparkKitty spread fake applications which mimic well-known platforms, including TikTok. Once installed, the malicious apps request access to the user’s photo gallery.

Some versions steal all images, while others use optical character recognition (OCR) to scan for crypto wallet seed phrases, which are unique codes that give access to digital currencies.

On iPhones, the malware is hidden inside fake software frameworks that mimic legitimate ones such as AFNetworking or Alamofire. On Android devices, the spyware embeds itself as malicious modules inside apps, particularly those related to messaging or cryptocurrency.

Kaspersky explains that the campaign started its operation in February 2024 and has spread through both unauthorized app stores, as well as official distribution channels. The initial detection of the malware occurred through fake TikTok applications, which redirected users to a fake online shop calle “TikToki Mall,” which accepted cryptocurrency payments.

Users who accessed the site from their iPhones were displayed fake App Store pages that deceived them into installing infected applications.Hackers also misused Apple’s Enterprise Developer Program to distribute their malware, bypassing regular App Store security.

After infection, the app checks for activation codes, contacts a remote server for instructions, and uploads stolen photos to hacker-controlled servers.

The researchers report that a fake crypto-enabled messaging application was downloaded more than 10,000 times before security researchers discovered its malicious nature.

Most victims are in Southeast Asia and China, with many infected apps featuring gambling or adult content. However, the spyware could target users worldwide. SparkKitty shares technical features with SparkCat, suggesting a direct connection between the two campaigns.

To stay protected, users should avoid third-party app stores, carefully check app permissions, and keep their devices updated. Even photos unrelated to cryptocurrency may be at risk from this ongoing spyware threat.

Image by Taylor Vic, from Unsplash

AI Power Gap Widens As Global Divide In Data Centers Grows

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

A new report reveals a growing global divide in AI infrastructure.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

• Only 32 countries have advanced AI data centers, mostly in the Northern Hemisphere.
• U.S., China, and EU control over half of global AI compute power.
• Africa and South America have almost no advanced AI infrastructure.

A new research shows that 32 countries, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere, possess data centers needed to develop advanced AI systems, while the rest of the world remains without such infrastructure.

The United States, together with China and the European Union, control more than half of the world’s AI-specialized facilities, as Oxford University researchers have discovered.

The New York Times reports how OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, recently visited a $60 billion Texas data center construction site, which operates from its own natural gas plant, and extends beyond the size of New York’s Central Park.

In contrast, the main AI center of Argentina operates from a tiny university classroom space. The computer science professor at the National University of Córdoba expressed his disappointment when he said, “We are losing,” as reported by The times.

“Sometimes I want to cry, but I don’t give up. I keep talking to people and saying: ‘I need more GPUs,’” the professor added.

The Times notes how this unequal distribution of computing power affects all aspects of scientific research and employment opportunities. The absence of computing power in certain nations leads to talent flight, prevents startup development, while making it difficult to achieve AI progress.

The Times gives the example of AI start-up Qhala in Kenya, where local infrastructure is lacking , workers at the AI start-up Qhala must sync operations with low-traffic hours in U.S. time zones to access rented computing power abroad.

Brad Smith, Microsoft’s president, warned: “The A.I. era runs the risk of leaving Africa even further behind,” as reported by The Times.

Access to powerful microchips, mostly produced by U.S. company Nvidia has emerged as a critical factor in international trade relations and geopolitical power dynamics. The U.S. has denied essential chip deals to its Kenyan ally, as well as other nations, as reported by The Times.

Countries are now scrambling to build their own AI infrastructure. Brazil pledged $4 billion. India and the EU have launched major investments. In Africa, Cassava Technologies is opening a new center, backed by Nvidia and Google, as reported by The Times.