Investigation into Malware Targeting Game Players for Password Theft
A recent hacking campaign has caught the attention of video game giant Activision, as they are investigating an attack that specifically targets players with the intention of stealing their credentials. The hackers are utilizing malware to gain access to the victim’s computers and steal passwords for gaming accounts and crypto wallets, among others, according to sources. Although the specific goals of the hackers are still unclear, it is evident that their main objective is password theft.
Activision Blizzard, the parent company of Activision, has taken immediate action to address this issue. They are actively working on identifying and remediating player accounts that have been affected by the malware. Additionally, they are investigating the malware and its means of spreading. According to an anonymous source familiar with the incidents, the malware may only be affecting individuals who have third-party tools installed on their computers.
The spokesperson for Activision, Delaney Simmons, acknowledged the claims of compromised player credentials due to malware from unauthorized software downloads or usage. However, Simmons assured that the company’s servers remain secure and uncompromised. Activision is determined to protect its players and their personal information from any potential harm.
The discovery of this malware campaign was initially made by Zeebler, a developer and seller of cheating software for the popular game Call of Duty. In an official message on the PhantomOverlay cheat provider’s channel, Zeebler warned gamers, including those who use cheats, about hackers targeting them to steal usernames and passwords. Zeebler described this effort as an “infostealer malware campaign,” where the hackers disguise their malware as legitimate-looking software to trick victims into unknowingly installing it and revealing their credentials.
Once Zeebler became aware of the hacking campaign, he started investigating further and discovered the database where the stolen credentials were being stored by the hackers. He promptly contacted Activision Blizzard and other cheat makers whose users appeared to be affected. TechCrunch was able to obtain a sample of the allegedly stolen logins and confirmed that some of the data are indeed genuine credentials. However, it remains uncertain whether the data is recent or outdated.
It is important to note that regular players of Activision games have no immediate reason to believe they are at risk. The primary targets of this malware campaign are individuals who use third-party apps, such as cheats, which expose them to potential security vulnerabilities. Nonetheless, Activision urges users who suspect they may have been compromised to change their passwords and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Conclusion
As the investigation into the malware targeting game players for password theft continues, Activision is taking swift action to protect its users’ accounts and personal information. The hackers behind this campaign have been successful in stealing credentials by disguising their malware as legitimate software. Activision Blizzard, along with other cheat makers, is actively working to identify and remediate affected player accounts. While there is no immediate threat to regular players, it is crucial for users to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions such as changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication to enhance account security.