Got a botnet? Thinking of using it to mine Bitcoin? Don't bother

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Despite an increase in popularity over recent months amongst botnet operators, malware-powered Bitcoin mining brings little to no financial return, say experts. Security giant McAfee contends in its quarterly threat report PDF that bitcoin botnet source code botnet controllers and malware packages have been adding cryptocurrency mining options to their list of services offered.

The mining tools - offered alongside botnet task options such as spam runs or distributed denial of service DDoS attacks - put infected machines to use mining Bitcoin. Unfortunately for the cybercrooks, however, it seems that a botnet-turned-mining rig doesn't actually make much money in real life.

McAfee found that the increasing difficulty of Bitcoin hashes, combined with the attrition rate from malware detections on infected machines, would make turning a profit from botnet mining nearly impossible.

According to researcher estimates, a botnet controller attempting to mine Bitcoin with a 10, system network would initially see a net loss in operations and with increasing difficulty cycles productivity would plateau off without turning much of a profit. That rate becomes even lower when mobile bitcoin botnet source code are added to the equation. Researchers note that with less powerful processors and limited battery life, bitcoin botnet source code devices are ill-equipped to function as dedicated cryptocurrency mining tools, especially when this is done via covert malware infections.

Researchers conclude, therefore, that botnet kingpins are better off avoiding the Bitcoin mining game and sticking with bitcoin botnet source code techniques. That would come as little relief, however, to owners of infected machines who will see their system performance and battery life take a hit whether or not the miner turns a profit.

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Despite an increase in popularity over recent months amongst botnet operators, malware-powered Bitcoin mining brings little to no financial return, say experts. Security giant McAfee contends in its quarterly threat report PDF that commercial botnet controllers and malware packages have been adding cryptocurrency mining options to their list of services offered. The mining tools - offered alongside botnet task options such as spam runs or distributed denial of service DDoS attacks - put infected machines to use mining Bitcoin.

Unfortunately for the cybercrooks, however, it seems that a botnet-turned-mining rig doesn't actually make much money in real life. McAfee found that the increasing difficulty of Bitcoin hashes, combined with the attrition rate from malware detections on infected machines, would make turning a profit from botnet mining nearly impossible.

According to researcher estimates, a botnet controller attempting to mine Bitcoin with a 10, system network would initially see a net loss in operations and with increasing difficulty cycles productivity would plateau off without turning much of a profit. That rate becomes even lower when mobile devices are added to the equation. Researchers note that with less powerful processors and limited battery life, mobile devices are ill-equipped to function as dedicated cryptocurrency mining tools, especially when this is done via covert malware infections.

Researchers conclude, therefore, that botnet kingpins are better off avoiding the Bitcoin mining game and sticking with other techniques. That would come as little relief, however, to owners of infected machines who will see their system performance and battery life take a hit whether or not the miner turns a profit. Minds Mastering Machines - Call for papers now open.

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More from The Register. Potentially a hazardous waste dump of child abuse, malware, etc Boffins warn of legal risks from arbitrary data distribution. Malware Engine needs, erm, malware protection Stop appreciating the irony and go install the patch now. Junk food meets junk money: Lloyds Bank bans Bitcoin purchases by credit card customers B-b-b..

Cops seek 4 for aggravated burglary in Midsomer Murders town Fintech workers reportedly targeted. UK reaches peak Bitcoin as bin firm accepts cryptocurrency 'It's not a publicity stunt,' says BusinessWaste. Whitepapers Ransomware is Increasing the Risks and Impact to Organizations Ransomware is gaining traction in the criminal community. Low-code platform provides fast delivery, innovation and a great user experience.

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