Video games used to spread malware among gamers

Minecraft. (photo: Nintendo)

The growth of the market for video game results in a positive aspect in terms of the creation of new consoles, improvements in graphic quality, development of more and better game mechanics, among other benefits for the industry and for users. gamers.

However, games have also become places where cybercriminals can spread malware to steal user information, sell their accounts, take advantage of bank details registered on some websites, etc.

That is why the cybersecurity company Kaspersky has prepared a report between June 2021 and June 2022 showing a list of the 10 games most used by users. cybercriminals to harm users. These are:

Minecraft – 23,239 malicious files.

FIFA – 10,776 malicious files.

Roblox – 8,903 malicious files.

farcry – 8,736 malicious files.

Call of Duty – 8,319 malicious files.

need for speed – 7,569 malicious files.

Grand Theft Auto – 7,125 malicious files.

Valorant – 5,426 malicious files.

The Sims – 5,005 malicious files.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – 4,790 malicious files

In addition, in terms of affected users, the cybersecurity company’s report indicates that, during the selected period of time, a total of 131,005 users were affected by the distribution of malware, only in the case of Minecraft. This includes PC and mobile versions.

Minecraft – 131,005 affected users.

Roblox – 38,838 affected users.

need for speed – 32,314 affected users.

Grand Theft Auto – 31,752 affected users.

Call of Duty – 30,401 affected users.

FIFA – 26,832 affected users.

The Sims – 26,319 affected users.

farcry – 18,530 affected users.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – 18,031 affected users.

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) – 9,553 affected users.

The download of video game It is one of the distribution channels used by cyber criminals to spread malware, with 88.56% of reported cases. Other threats to players and their devices is through AdWare (4.19%), Trojan (2.99%), DangerousObject (0.86%), Trojan-SMS (0.49%), Trojan-Downloader (0.48%), WebToolbar (0.47% ), RiskTool (0.45%), Exploit (0.34%), and Trojan-Spy (0.29%).

Although the percentage of the other reported cases are minor in comparison, they are still a risk to the cyber security of users and can put their information at risk. On the other hand, as of June 2021, Kaspersky claims that 6,491 users fell victim to malicious software that is designed to steal personal information.

Users who search the internet for ways to progress faster in games, such as hacks, or free installers, are more vulnerable to attacks by hackers. cyber criminalswho could gain access to players’ devices through infected files.

The creation of fake websites to get certain bonuses in games is also a very common practice to attract victims.

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