Crypto Developers Targeted: Fake Job Interviews Hide and in Theft Campaign

Cryptocurrency developers, Web3 builders, and AI experts are facing a sneaky new threat. Bad actors are using fake job offers to trick people into running harmful code. This leads to on their computers and fake wallet apps that steal crypto funds. The goal? Drain wallets by grabbing private keys, seeds, and passwords.

This attack campaign, called Contagious Interview, shows how hackers mix social tricks with smart malware. They pretend to be recruiters or tech testers. Victims get project files to check or run. But those files hide malware that infects the system quietly.

How the Attack Starts: The Fake Job Hook

It all begins with a message that looks real. “Hey, we have a cool job opening. Can you review this code for our test?” Victims download a zip file or repo with what seems like normal dev tools.

Inside, there’s a bad JavaScript file. When run, it phones home to the hackers’ server. This “beacon” tells them the target is online. Then, it pulls down more nasty tools.

Step 1: Run the infected code during the “interview.”
Step 2: Malware checks in with command server.
Step 3: Downloads second-stage payloads.

These payloads work on Windows, macOS, and Linux. No matter your setup, you’re at risk.

The Malware Toolkit: and Data Hunters

Once inside, the hackers drop several tools. Key ones include:

InvisibleFerret: A Python backdoor for remote control. It stays hidden and lets attackers run commands, grab files, or watch your screen.
JS Stealers: Two JavaScript bits that hunt for gold. They scan for files with words like “wallet,” “seed,” “private key,” “mnemonic,” or “password.”

Think browser logins, password vaults, and crypto apps. Everything valuable gets zipped up and sent to the crooks. The backdoor keeps the door open for more theft later.

The Sneaky Swap: Fake MetaMask

Here’s the clever part. After control, they don’t just steal data. They swap your real MetaMask for a fake one.

Scan Chrome or Brave for MetaMask folders.
Download a bad extension version.
Tweak browser files to load the fake. Bypass safety checks by faking signatures and turning on dev mode.

The fake wallet looks perfect. Buttons work, balances show right. But when you unlock it, it grabs your password and vault data. Hackers decrypt it later and empty your funds. Just a few lines of evil code do the trick—no big changes to spot.

This method beats old clippers or keyloggers. It’s hard to notice until money’s gone.

Who’s Behind the ?

Experts point to North Korean groups. These state-backed hackers love crypto targets. Why? Digital coins turn into cash fast, no banks needed. They’ve hit devs before with similar scams.

Blockchain firms hold billions. But chains are tough to hack. Easier to fool a dev with a job email. This trend is rising: user attacks over network breaks.

Real-World Impact and Stats

Such campaigns have stolen millions. North Korean ops alone nabbed over $600 million in crypto last year. Devs lose wallets worth thousands—or more. One slip in an interview, and your life’s savings vanish.

Web3 growth draws more heat. AI devs get hit too, as tools overlap. Stay alert: even top coders fall for polished fakes.

How to Stay Safe from These Crypto Thieves

Don’t be the next victim. Simple steps block most attacks:

Never run unknown code. Review in safe sandboxes or VMs. No “quick tests” on main machines.
Check extensions. Verify MetaMask hashes. Use official sites only.
Hardware wallets rule. Keep seeds offline. Never enter on hot machines.
Tools to use:

Antivirus with behavior scans (e.g., Malwarebytes).
Browser guards like uBlock Origin.
Multi-factor auth everywhere.

Job tips: Vet recruiters on LinkedIn. Real firms don’t rush code runs.
Monitor: Watch wallet txns. Set alerts for big moves.

For teams: Train on phishing. Use air-gapped signing for funds.

Why This Matters for Blockchain’s Future

Crypto thrives on trust. But scams like this erode it. As Web3 grows, so do human-targeted hits. Blockchain is secure; users aren’t always.

Devs build the future. Protect yourselves to protect the ecosystem. Share this post—awareness stops thieves.

Stay vigilant in the crypto world. Fake jobs and are everywhere. Use hardware, verify, and think twice.

What do you think? Drop comments below on your security tips.

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The post Crypto Developers Targeted: Fake Job Interviews Hide Backdoors and Bogus MetaMask in Theft Campaign appeared first on Blockmanity.

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Filed under: Altcoins - @ February 19, 2026 1:33 pm