bitcoin hackers UK coinhive computers cryptocurrency mining ripple ethereum news latest GETTY
The software known as 'Coinhive' runs in the background until the webpage is closed
The software known as “Coinhive” runs in the background until the webpage is closed.
Beware! Anyone who accesses the compromised sites will have their computers immediately hijacked to mine cryptocurrency.
Security researcher Scott Helme found the hack when a friend said he was getting antivirus alerts on a UK Government website.
He said: “This type of attack isn't new - but this is the biggest I've seen.A single company being hacked has meant thousands of sites impacted across the UK, Ireland and the United States.“Someone just messaged me to say their local Government website in Australia is using the software as well."
Infected websites have been taken down by Whitehall as they tackle the code.
It is estimated that 5,000 websites have been infected and some fear that personal details and bank information could be stolen.
So be on guard friends and protect your bitcoin