A tool released on GitHub advertised the coveted ability to unlock the full Ethereum mining capabilities of the latest Nvidia RTX graphics cards , but actually contains dangerous malware that compromises all files on devices it infects.
The utility of the Nvidia RTX LHR v2 was really promising. Called Unlocker, this latest graphics card model promised to remove Nvidia’s Lite Hash Rate software that was implemented on newer cards to deter crypto miners from massively buying such devices and putting the company in dire straits of supply shortages. .
A Trojan horse full of dangerous viruses
However, from various forums specialized in cryptocurrency mining, the alarms have been raised, since the mining software that could be implemented on the powerful Nvidia graphics card contained dangerous malware that has so far compromised the security of thousands of users. of users.
It is important to note that the tool does not even perform its namesake function of removing the limit on the GPU hash rate. Instead, it apparently infects the system and causes a number of other unusual graphics card behaviors, such as high CPU usage, checking system drives, and other things that should, and are, raising suspicion. Indeed, the virus quickly spreads through all the files on the device, infecting them and rendering it virtually inoperable after installing the bogus program that promised to mine cryptocurrencies much faster using the power of the graphics card.
Ever since Nvidia implemented Lite Hash Rate on graphics cards starting in mid-2021, there has been a high demand (and a very profitable secondary cryptocurrency mining market) for older RTX cards that do not have a hash rate limitation. A tool that could decrease demand by removing the cap on newer cards is a tempting proposition. Unfortunately it was a scam, and the program contained malicious malware.
A big cyber attack
The company Nvidia has confirmed that it is investigating the incident after confirming that the graphics card manufacturing giant had simultaneously experienced a devastating cyberattack that completely compromised the company’s internal systems a few weeks ago.
From Nvidia they have assured that they are investigating and that, therefore, their business and commercial activities continue uninterrupted. They are working to assess the nature and scope of the event and assure that they still do not have any additional information to fully clarify what could have happened.
It’s unclear if Nvidia had data stolen or deleted, and there’s nothing to suggest the incident could be related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, though cyberattacks have been part of the offensive and Internet infrastructure.
