Subj : Be very careful when downloading these games online - they could
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Mon Feb 27 2023 11:45:04

Be very careful when downloading these games online - they could be malware

Date:
Mon, 27 Feb 2023 11:35:07 +0000

Description:
Games should only be downloaded from official sources, otherwise users are 
risking malware.

FULL STORY
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Hackers are distributing a dangerous infostealer and adware by passing it off 
as cracked versions of popular video games, experts have warned. 

Cybersecurity researchers from AhnLab claim this latest campaign is 
particularly unique due to the file type the hackers chose to bypass 
antivirus programs and other cybersecurity protections. 

The team reported spotted a number of malicious websites advertising cracked 
versions of popular games such as Elden Ring, ROBLOX, Dark Souls 3, Red Dead 
Redemption 2, Call of Duty, and many others.However, people downloading the 
executive files from these locations are in for a surprise - instead of the 
actual game, all theyll get is ChromeLoader, a known malware capable of doing 
all sorts of nasties. Among its features is the ability to show ads to users, 
steal the credentials stored in the browser, as well as other saved data. VHD 
files 

Usually, in campaigns such as this one, the hackers would pack the malware in 
an ISO file - a virtual drive file that the victims can mount on a virtual 
drive. Once run, the file would show as an additional removable storage 
drive, from which theyd be able to install the executable (in this case, the 
malware). Read more 

> This devious malware is pretending to be gaming cheats, so watch out 


 > There's another really good reason not to download pirated software 


 > These are the best firewalls right now 

This time around, however, instead of the ISO, the hackers have opted for VHD 
files. Just like an ISO file, a VHD can be mounted on a Windows system with 
ease, and also works well with most virtualization software. 

In the meantime, the websites hosting the malware have been pulled offline, 
the researchers said. 

As usual, to keep safe from threats such as this one, users are advised to 
steer clear of torrent websites and other unofficial download sources. 
Pirated software, cracks, key generators and activators are one of the most 
popular attack vectors threat actors use to distribute all kinds of malware 
and viruses. 

Having an strong antivirus solution also helps. These are the best ID theft 
protection solutions at the moment 

Via: BleepingComputer



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/news/be-very-careful-when-downloading-these-games-on
line-they-could-be-malware


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