The ASIC Virus; Its Transmission, Prevention,Detection, Elimination, and Cure

The threat of new viruses stays constant despite technological progress and the increasing complexity of mining farms. The number of mining farms that have become victim to these malicious attacks may surprise you. This kind of cyber attack is not only frustrating, but it can also cause significant financial damages.

Additionally, these miners are heavily infected due to visiting fraudulent websites or downloading bespoke software and firmware. Because of the gravity of these attacks,  learn how to defend yourself against them.

‍

You must be aware of howto protect yourself and eliminate these dangers. Hackers can make more than one Bitcoin (BTC) daily from the viruses they plant on other people's machines.

As 2019 has begun, ASIC owners have been complaining about stolen hash-power. Devices are infected with software intended to send the reward to the hackers' employees rather than the owners.

Sources, Causes, And Reasons Of The ASICs With Malware Penetration

Hackers continually generate and modify all of these and other types of viruses. Malicious software is evolving to the point that it is harder to detect and poses more significant risks.

No one or object is entirely safe from harm. Since the Trojan quickly multiplies after infiltrating a system, restoring each device is the only way to ensure complete safety.Compared to a regular scanning and curing method, the time required to re-flash the firmware on an ASIC S9 is significantly longer.

‍

Malware is typically introduced to devices by users; however, even brand new ASICs imported from China sometimes arrive tainted.

Infected ASICs: How to Detect

If you’re suspected of ASIC"cheating," you can verify whether or not your suspicions are founded by looking at the wallet address where the bounty is paid out. Entering the ASIC address, root name, and password into WinSCP will sometimes reveal pool spoofing.

Examine the Bmminer.conffile within the Config folder once the directory structure with files has been displayed. Your device is compromised if it has a non-English address(3CJgXokLQrRCQcEoftS7MbPDSXhXpX6P55). We can also expect a change in the pools(Such as Nice-hash in this instance).

By the way, such malware will not allow you to set your address or reset the settings. Additionally, it prevents the firmware from being updated. Using this technique, hackers can steal from half a Bitcoin to a whole Bitcoin daily. That's thousands of Dollars every day. Security solutions must be thought out on an "epidemic spread" scale.

The Effects And Repercussions Of The Virus

It was discovered earlyin 2019 that malicious firmware was spreading, giving Ant-miner S9 the abilityto over-clock to 18 T/s. Once the firmware was activated, the Trojan virusblackmailer h-Ant wanted 10 BTC as a ransom, threatening to overheat the gadgetuntil it was paid. However, not only personal computers and their components(graphics cards, processors) were impacted, but also specialist mining devicessuch as ASICs.

‍

This Virus is present for 12 hours everyday mining for another user, which amounts to 50% of your reward, in contrast to the standard development fee (Dev-Fee) for the firmware usage.Although reverting to factory settings will assist in the short term, viruses of this type can quickly reboot and resume transferring a portion of the reward to another user; therefore, it's best to avoid doing so.

How Does The ASIC Virus Works

The malware is not new;it has previously attacked Ant-miner S9/T9/L3 and other similar machines. The Ant-miner 15 and Ant-miner 17 series are also vulnerable due to an upgraded infection.

Most ASIC viruses spread through SSH and the ASIC web interface, targeting all types of Ant-miners by exploiting a tar weakness or the absence of signature verification. The Virus uses the tar flaw to flash ASICs when it detects HTTP traffic. Without a valid signature, the ASIC firmware script is simply executed.

The Virus performs thefollowing actions once it reaches the ASIC:

• Replaces the Configdownload script and updates the web-based firmware script. In addition, there are scripts for resetting the settings and editing the configurations.
• SSH is now enabled. SSH Password Modification
• It swaps out the Lighttpd module to "knock" the virus server.
• It takes the place of the boot-loader on the 17 series, which previously prevented recovery booting from an external storage device. UART recovery command input is also disabled.
• This tweaks the boot-loaderand prevents the boot from SD on older Ant-miners.
• Variously auto-loads itself as a prescription in various contexts
• Deletes and replaces executables and scripts on the system
• Receives the user's web-based password during authentication, "hears" it into an ASIC,and then transmits it to the server. Over 90% of users reuse passwords across devices, making all ASICs in the network vulnerable to password interception.

• In addition, it is continually checking for server updates
• It does not just modify the wallet's configuration; if possible, it also applies wallet patches to Cg-miner and Bm-miner. Binaries or configurations that patch older models of Ant-miners
• It removes the binaries required for re-flashing after a patch or partition replacement
• It is the sole binary that the Virus uses to replicate itself. There's a base 64 boot-loader, exploit  archives and every script within. The Virus does not copy itself by downloading virus components from the web. Even if the router's firewall stops the infected ASIC from spreading, it will infect every other ASIC in the network.
• In addition, viruses"helped" themselves by launching commands on ASICs to download the additional components.
• Additionally, several additional encrypted binaries have yet to be uncovered.

Different Methods To Prevent Such Viruses

Since phishing is the primary way cybercriminals spread this malware, it is essential to receive enough training as a preventative precaution. It might not be sufficient, as it might be challenging to identify inappropriate online destinations. That's why these guidelines are so important: they'll help you keep hackers out of your apps and computer.

Implement A Firewall

Setting up a solid firewall with stringent networking rules is the most excellent method to stop even a single infected workstation from attacking your entire network and, by extension, all of your mining hardware and ASICs.

Implement Endpoint Security

The most vulnerable members of the chain will become infected first, so take precautions to keep them safe. Antivirus and terminal software providers such as GuardToro now include detection features for crypto-mining malware. However, you should look for a provider whose products are regularly updated.

Make Use Of Tracking Instruments

Having a constant view of the health of your machines can be achieved with the help of monitoring software. For instance, you can check to see if an infection modifies the user name associated with your mining operation or if it modifies the pool and wallet entirely.

Think About Updated Firmware

Virus detection is becoming increasingly common in firmware, even in ASIC firmware. StratumV2,included in some firmware like GuardToro, is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, StratumV1. In particular, the encryption added to the network traffic eliminates the possibility of a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, in which an attacker outside your network would steal your hash rate.

Please note that if your miner malfunctions due to over-clocking or unapproved firmware, your warrantywill be voided immediately.

Make A New Password

Make a new password and keep it safe. Always begin with a strong password as your primary line of security.

Stay Away From Sketchy Websites

One must stay away from sketchy, dangerous websites.

Curing An ASIC Virus Infection

GuardToro and other third-party scanners can be used to scan your devices. It has been found that resetting the IP address and then installing the genuine firmware can remove the S9 malware. However, the method takes time, requires expertise,and calls for a 2 GB or larger SD card.

First, get the Win-32DiskImager tool from the Internet. Following this, you need to insert the SD card into the card reader, launch Win-32 DiskImager, and save the S9 Recovery image to the storage media. After this, you'll need to do some work on the ASIC board by:

‍

‍

• Disconnect the riser chips and cut power to the control board.
• Insert the card containing the image, turn on the power, and shift the jumper forward (the first one from the ASIC panel and the farthest from the flash drive, generally JP4)
• After plugging in the control board, you'll need to wait around a minute for the LAN's LEDs to begin flashing steadily at regular intervals. After 20 seconds of initial illumination, they should start flashing steadily for one minute.
• This usually happens when the firmware is updated. After that, you can safely remove the SD card and turn off the power. You must next put the gadget together. Starting the ASIC should bring up the familiar Bit-main interface, from which you may choose to use the stock or custom firmware.
• ‍

Concerning A Situation In Which An EntireFarm Has Become Infected

If you only have one gadget, then follow the steps above. However, it is common knowledge that viruses may rapidly propagate across all electronic devices. It will be difficult to swiftly unplug tens or hundreds of ASICs from the network and re-flash them individually.

The GuardToro firmware for the Ant-miner S9 and T9+ provides a viable alternative to traditional cure procedures.

Protection against malware is provided by an in-built antivirus system. If the hardware is in good working order, you can revert to factory settings or continue using the downloaded firmware.

• Virus scanning can bed one manually if necessary
• The firmware is hosted on an SSL-encrypted website, making file replacement impossible;
• Among its benefits are the following:
• It keeps working equipment from wobbling;
• Includes support for ASIC "sleep mode";
• Over-clocking of individual chips is supported.
• It allows for over-clocking and optimization using ASIC-Boost and other methods.
• ASIC S9, T9 + has a built-in antivirus system so that you can check it for malicious software at any time. After the firmware has been installed, go to the system menu, select the security menu item, and then click the Virus Check button to begin scanning.

Key Considerations

• Unfortunately, S17 isn't the only species at risk from the Virus. All Ant-miner 17, 15, and Xilinx-based models are supported. Further, this Virus has been identified in S9, T9, L3,and related models before.
• Infection occurs on ASICs with default or weak passwords and unsigned firmware that fails the tar vulnerability check.
• Susceptible SSH on an ASIC with a weak or generic password leaves the device open to attack.
• One corrupted ASIC has the potential to spread over the entire network.
• We have discovered a method through which your ASICs can be safeguarded. 

Getting Rid Of A Bit-Miner Using GuardToro

The first thing to do is to use a reliable antivirus program. GuardToro is an excellent cybersecurity tool to eliminate malware and prevent further infections. We'll show you how to utilize it effectively to eliminate any miner malware from your system. Let's get the GuardToro Tool installed on our computers.

You can get it for all your devices, including Android, iOS, and Mac.

• Turn on the GuardToro Tool. Even though miner viruses are notoriously difficult to detect, you still have the option of using the Smart Scan by clicking the button.
• However,you should also consider using a different type of scan. Select a different scan mode by clicking the ellipsis (...) in the Run Smart Scan box.
• At boot time, select scan. Just a few minutes will pass while this thorough inspection is performed.
• Think about what your choices are. Just confirm it by scrolling down to the bottom.
• Select the computer on which you want to run the program and click the button. You will need to restart to set up a scan to run at boot time.
• Run the scan when Windows loads. With this feature, you may remove miner viruses and other security risks as soon as they are found.
• GuardToro Tool will routinely analyze your computer for any threats.
• Since discussing safe practices, you should also erase your online footprints. For faster browsing and to prevent your computer from downloading the same files repeatedly, many websites use "cookies" that are saved and displayed on your computer.

Furthermore, it wouldn't hurt to clear your browser's cookies while you're at it. You don't want malicious cookies invading your hard drive since they track your information when you use the Internet.

In Addition, GuardToro Offers The Following Benefits:

(1) The Elimination Of Annoying Commercials

The GuardToro ad blocker eliminates any advertisements. In the end, you won't have to deal with annoying advertisements like pop-ups, videos, and banners. Background screening and aesthetic processing ensure that the pages you land on are free of clutter and contain only the information you were looking for.

(2) Discretion Is Ensured

The GuardToro will defend you from any analytical and tracking devices. The software stops unwanted cookies from being installed, can hide your IP address, and gives you many other ways to protect your data.

(3) Secure Your Records

Today, identity theft is a constant threat wherever you go online. That couldn't happen with GuardToro because it includes a particular module for stopping it.

(4) Confidently Use The Internet

The Guard Toro safeguards against potentially harmful content,advertisements, and websites. The GuardToro compares every request to our database of known contaminated sites and cancels those that match.

(5) Institution Of Parental Authority

Your children will be safe while using GuardToro. It removes adult content from search results and gives parents a deny list that they can change to ensure their kids are secure online.

The analysis was performed on a clean ASIC running the official firmware from the 20th ofAugust, 2019. A malicious ASIC was also put on the same network next to it. Consequently, the uninfected ASIC caught the infection:

This Virus has been around for some time, having already impacted S9/T9/L3 and related models. It determines what kind of equipment it is and tailors its infection to that. The Virus has also been upgraded to “support" Ant-miner models 15 and 17.

The availability of customer service sets it apart from similar hacker tools. This means you can contact the programmers if you have any issues and ask for help. If you want to mine reliably and profitably without splitting the bounty with anybody else, you'll need to get the proper ASIC firmware from the official website.

‍