Illicit Crypto Economy Surges as Nation-States Join in the Fray

darkreading

January 9, 2026 at 4:56 PM

Overview

In 2025, transactions involving cryptocurrencies linked to cybercriminal activities soared, primarily driven by actions from countries under sanctions, notably Russia and Iran. This surge in illicit crypto transactions has raised concerns about the role of nation-states in facilitating cybercrime, as they increasingly turn to digital currencies to bypass financial restrictions. The billions generated through these activities not only enrich criminal organizations but also pose significant challenges for law enforcement and regulatory bodies trying to combat financial crime. As these countries engage more in the crypto economy, the implications for global security and financial systems could be profound, complicating efforts to track and mitigate cyber threats. This trend underscores the need for enhanced monitoring and regulatory measures in the cryptocurrency space to prevent misuse.

Key Takeaways

Affected Systems: Cryptocurrencies, financial systems
Action Required: Enhanced monitoring and regulatory measures in cryptocurrency.
Timeline: Ongoing since 2025

Original Article Summary

Cybercriminal cryptocurrency transactions totaled billions in 2025, with activity from sanctioned countries like Russia and Iran causing the largest jump.

Impact

Cryptocurrencies, financial systems

Exploitation Status

The exploitation status is currently unknown. Monitor vendor advisories and security bulletins for updates.

Timeline

Ongoing since 2025

Remediation

Enhanced monitoring and regulatory measures in cryptocurrency

Additional Information

This threat intelligence is aggregated from trusted cybersecurity sources. For the most up-to-date information, technical details, and official vendor guidance, please refer to the original article linked below.

Read Original Article

Related Coverage

287 Chrome Extensions Caught Harvesting Browsing Data from 37M Users

Hackread – Cybersecurity News, Data Breaches, AI and More

A recent investigation by Q Continuum has uncovered that 287 Chrome extensions are leaking private browsing data from approximately 37.4 million users to companies like Similarweb and Alibaba. These extensions, often perceived as harmless tools, have been found to convert users' browsing histories into marketable products. The data breach raises significant privacy concerns, particularly for users who may not be aware that their online activities are being monitored and sold. This incident highlights the need for users to be vigilant about the extensions they install and the permissions they grant. As these extensions may not seem malicious at first glance, it serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with browser add-ons.

Feb 14, 2026

Fintech firm Figure disclosed data breach after employee phishing attack

Security Affairs

Fintech company Figure has confirmed a data breach resulting from a phishing attack that targeted one of its employees. The attackers used social engineering tactics to deceive the employee and gain access to a limited number of files. A spokesperson for Figure stated that while the breach is concerning, the extent of the data compromised is not extensive. This incident raises alarms about the effectiveness of employee training and awareness regarding phishing tactics, which continue to be a significant vulnerability for many organizations. Users and stakeholders of Figure should remain vigilant and monitor for any unusual activity related to their accounts.

Feb 14, 2026

One threat actor responsible for 83% of recent Ivanti RCE attacks

BleepingComputer

Recent threat intelligence reports indicate that a single threat actor is behind the majority of attacks exploiting two critical vulnerabilities in Ivanti Endpoint Manager Mobile (EPMM), identified as CVE-2026-21962 and CVE-2026-24061. These vulnerabilities allow for remote code execution, posing significant risks to organizations using this mobile management solution. The findings suggest that companies using Ivanti's software need to be vigilant, as the attacks are actively occurring. The focus on a single actor highlights the need for targeted defenses against this specific threat. Organizations are encouraged to monitor for unusual activity and apply any available patches to mitigate potential exploitation.

Feb 14, 2026

Snail mail letters target Trezor and Ledger users in crypto-theft attacks

BleepingComputer

Attackers are targeting users of cryptocurrency hardware wallets Trezor and Ledger by sending fake physical letters that appear to be from these companies. These letters aim to deceive users into revealing their recovery phrases, which can be used to steal their cryptocurrencies. This tactic exploits the trust users have in these well-known wallet providers and could lead to significant financial losses for those who fall for the scam. It’s crucial for users to be cautious and verify any communications they receive, especially when it comes to sensitive information like recovery phrases. The rise of such scams underscores the need for increased awareness and education around cryptocurrency security.

Feb 14, 2026

Suspected Russian hackers deploy CANFAIL malware against Ukraine

Security Affairs

A newly identified hacking group, suspected to be linked to Russian intelligence, has launched attacks against various Ukrainian sectors, including defense, government, and energy. This group is using a malware called CANFAIL, which was uncovered by researchers from Google Threat Intelligence Group. The targeting of critical infrastructure and military entities raises significant concerns about national security and the ongoing conflict in the region. As these attacks could disrupt essential services and information systems, the situation highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures among the affected organizations. This incident is part of a broader pattern of cyber warfare tactics being employed against Ukraine.

Feb 14, 2026

Fake job recruiters hide malware in developer coding challenges

BleepingComputer

North Korean hackers are running a fake recruiter scheme aimed at JavaScript and Python developers, using enticing cryptocurrency-related coding challenges to lure victims. These challenges often contain hidden malware designed to compromise the developers' systems. This tactic exploits the growing interest in cryptocurrency and the remote job market, making it especially appealing to tech professionals looking for work. Developers who engage with these fake opportunities risk not only their personal data but also their work environments, as the malware can lead to further security breaches. Awareness of these scams is crucial for developers to protect themselves from potential attacks.

Feb 13, 2026