Experts warn remaining bitcoin holders to prepare for malware

The supporters of the bitcoin currency, consumers and businesses alike, need to improve their security defenses and prepare for the numerous pieces of malware aimed at stealing the digital currency, according to Dell SecureWorks.

"The problem is that most people are unprepared," said Joe Stewart, SecureWorks director of malware research, in a statement to Computerworld. "With bitcoins and altcoins, you're essentially acting as your own bank."

There are a number of different bitcoin-stealing malware in the wild, with the specific goal of targeting login credential information to bitcoin storage and exchange accounts. In fact, more than 100 types of malware have been designed specifically with the goal of stealing digital currency and giving cybercriminals access to the unregulated currency.

Regulation has been a hot topic in growing discussion surrounding bitcoins, though the Japanese government said international regulations need to be created. Otherwise, each country with individual bitcoin laws and regulations can provide cybercriminals with the chance to slip through loopholes.