Cybercriminals use online games like Minecraft, Roblox, Far Cry to insert powerful malware into devices
A team of security researchers has found that nearly 25% of malicious files are distributed by Minecraft-related files. FIFA (11%), Roblox (9.5%), Far Cry (9.4%), Call of Duty (9%), Need for Speed, Grand Theft Auto are also being abused by hackers.
Cybercriminals seem to be finding new ways to bypass security barriers to attack more and more users. In a new study, security researchers have found that cybercriminals are using the popular game title Minecraft trick players into downloading dangerous malware. A team of security researchers has found that nearly 25% of malicious files are distributed by Minecraft-related files through abuse of the game’s trademark. Not only Minecraft, but other games like FIFA (11%), Roblox (9.5%), Far Cry (9.4%), Call of Duty (9%), Need speed, Grand Theft AutoValorant, The Sims, and GS:GO are also being abused by hackers.
According to Kaspersky, mobile games have a smaller distribution volume than PC games, and Minecraft dominates with a 40% market share, followed by GTA (15%), PUBG (10%), Roblox (10%) and FIFA (5%).
Why do hackers use famous games to lure users?
Hackers are massively using games to lure people in, as these abused titles have tens of millions of users. In addition, these games also include economic aspects of the game by promising “easy progress” through hacks, valuable items, and other things to attract users.
Kaspersky even highlighted a number of in-game item cheat shops that resemble the original and trick players into paying for items they would never receive. Hackers also use this trick to steal users’ account credentials.
According to Kaspersky statistics, most malicious files targeting players are downloaders, accounting for 88.5% of total infections detected.
Other types of threats that take over significant accounts are adware (4.2%) and trojans that steal users’ data or provide hackers with remote access to victims’ devices. (3%). The research agency also shared that in many cases, information stealers, cryptocurrency miners, or both, are dropped onto victims’ computers through these games.
So, if you enjoy gaming and keep buying in-game items, make sure you don’t become a victim of cybercrime.
