the Corporate Security Office (GSI) He issued a public statement warning of cryptocurrency fraud last Wednesday (18). The Authority’s authority is to monitor matters relating to the security of the President of the Republic in Brazil.
Currently, the GSI is headed by Secretary of State Marco Edson Gonçalves Dias, a reserve general in the Brazilian Army. His role is to advise the president on military and security issues, and to ensure that Lula does not have any surprises during his government.
Thus, the ministry, which is still at the beginning of government, is already concerned about cyberattacks against the current head of state. It is not clear if the statement prevents new problems. Vandalism in Brasilia on January 8 has put pressure on GSI in recent days.
The Office of Corporate Security warns of cryptocurrency mining fraud in infrastructure
GSI, through its Information and Cyber Security (OSIC) Guidance, has begun 2023 with the issuance of a public advisory.
During OSIC2issued last Wednesday (18), calls on the ministry to take care of “Misuse of cryptocurrency mining in infrastructure (Cryptojacking)“.
In the explanation, the ministry explains that cryptocurrencies allow transactions recorded on the blockchain. With the increasing popularity of means of sending values over the Internet, criminals are trying to take advantage of this sector.
Cryptocurrency mining on third-party computers occurs when a hacker installs malware on a victim’s machine. According to the Global Initiative for International Services, all members of Lula’s government must pay attention to the problem and take preventive measures.
As precautions against cryptographic attacks, the Department of Information Security (DSI) suggests: in the case of attacks that are carried out in the browser, stop the mining process by closing the browser tab; install anti-malware with endpoint protection and capable of detecting crypto-agents; maintain Keep your web filter up to date; manage browser extensions and add-ons to reduce scripting risks; and apply security patches and updates to equipment.”
In addition to recommending cryptocurrency security, GSI also urges government officials to watch out for social engineering attacks.
GSI has already warned of coups in the sector in the previous government
In October 2021, during Brazil’s last government, then-Secretary General Heleno updated the National Security Glossary, quoting Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of bitcoin, in the official Brazilian document.
Before that, in 2020, the same ministry issued a public alert against ransomware, which was attacking public bodies amid the COVID-19 pandemic. When taking over systems, criminals often demand a ransom be paid in cryptocurrency.
Finally, the main body of protection for Brazilian presidents shows that it follows the evolution of accident prevention technologies.