But here’s the hard truth:

Encrypts your own files and demands Bitcoin payment for their release – ironic, given the context.

Scans your computer for existing wallet.dat files, browser extensions (MetaMask, Phantom, etc.), and saved passwords – then sends them to an attacker.

Monitors your clipboard. When you copy a cryptocurrency address, it replaces it with the attacker’s address. You unknowingly send funds to the thief.

Another user attempted to “test” a cracker on a dummy wallet while keeping their main holdings on an exchange. The clipper malware replaced their exchange deposit address. They lost $8,000 in ETH.

If you’ve lost access to your cryptocurrency, take a deep breath. Explore legitimate, open-source recovery tools that you can compile and run on an offline machine. Consult reputable recovery services with verifiable track records. But never – under any circumstances – download a mysterious ZIP file from a stranger promising to break uncrackable encryption.