Definition ∞ A cryptocurrency drainer is a malicious program or script designed to illicitly transfer digital assets from a user’s wallet. These often operate by tricking users into signing fraudulent transactions, approving malicious smart contracts, or through sophisticated phishing schemes. The primary objective is to siphon funds directly from compromised wallets.
Context ∞ Cryptocurrency drainers represent a significant threat within the digital asset landscape, frequently appearing in reports detailing large-scale thefts from individual users and even protocols. Their prevalence is often linked to social engineering tactics and the exploitation of user trust in seemingly legitimate applications or websites. Efforts to combat these threats involve user education and enhanced security measures for wallet interactions.