Is Your WhatsApp Safe? Banking Trojan ‘Eternidade Stealer’ Now Hunting Brazilian Crypto Holders

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• The “Eternidade Stealer” banking trojan is currently targeting Brazilian crypto holders, spreading via social engineering on WhatsApp.
  
• The trojan is delivered through malicious links disguised as messages from friends, fake government programs, or delivery notifications.
  
• Crypto users must strictly avoid clicking any suspicious or unexpected links on WhatsApp to prevent the theft of their digital assets.

The crypto landscape in Brazil is facing a new, insidious threat as cybercriminals leverage the country’s most popular messaging app, WhatsApp, to deploy a sophisticated attack. A newly detailed banking trojan, dubbed the “Eternidade Stealer,” is actively targeting Brazilian crypto holders, using cunning social engineering tactics to siphon off digital crypto assets. The operation, detailed in a recent report by Trustwave’s SpiderLabs, signals an alarming escalation in targeted financial crime, forcing users to heighten their vigilance.

The Weapon of Choice: Social Engineering and ‘Eternidade’

The success of this new exploit relies almost entirely on human trust and curiosity. The Eternidade Stealer is distributed through seemingly innocuous WhatsApp messages that prey on common anxieties or needs. Scammers may impersonate legitimate entities, sending fake government program offers, deceitful delivery notifications, or fraudulent investment group invites. Crucially, the malicious link can even arrive disguised as a message from a trusted friend.

When a victim clicks the compromised link, they inadvertently initiate a dangerous chain reaction. The device is infected with both a self-propagating worm and the dangerous banking trojan. Once active, the malware rapidly scans the device for financial data and access keys, paving the way for the ultimate theft of crypto assets. SpiderLabs researchers confirmed these refined tactics specifically exploit WhatsApp’s massive user base in the country.

WhatsApp: A Prime Target in Brazil’s Cybercrime Ecosystem

While cybersecurity experts worldwide have noted a global trend toward more sophisticated hacking methodologies, in Brazil, the primary delivery vehicle remains consistent. As Trustwave’s team noted, WhatsApp continues to be one of the most exploited communication channels within the country’s extensive cybercrime ecosystem. The platform’s widespread popularity makes it an ideal breeding ground for wide-scale social engineering campaigns, giving bad actors a direct, trusted line to victims’ personal devices.

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Global Sophistication Demands Local Vigilance

The threat posed by the Eternidade Stealer comes amid a broader surge in complex crypto-related exploits globally. Recent high-profile attacks underscore the increasing necessity for advanced security protocols. For instance, the on-chain investigation community documented a $3 million theft from a U.S. citizen, where the perpetrator utilized complex laundering techniques involving over-the-counter (OTC) venues. Separately, the Shibarium bridge was successfully compromised, resulting in a loss of over $4 million in crypto assets.

For Brazilian crypto holders, the lesson is clear: avoiding all suspicious links is no longer a suggestion—it is an essential defense against the rapidly evolving threat landscape. The emergence of the Eternidade Stealer highlights the need for constant security awareness. The best protection remains simple: never click an unsolicited link, and always verify unexpected messages through a secondary, trusted channel.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.