Beware of popular games: Cyber gangsters use hit games to spread their viruses and Trojans. These are the games in whose name malware is distributed the most.
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Most viruses are spread through these games.
© Alessandro Biascioli/Shutterstock.com
Security company Kaspersky has researched which games hackers most commonly spread malware in the name of. For this purpose, Kaspersky evaluated data from the period from January 2021 to July 2022.
Accordingly, Minecraft is the darling of virus programmers. Around 25 percent of malware-infested files were distributed in connection with the Minecraft brand name ( percentage values are based on the period from July 2021 to July 2022 ). This is followed by FIFA (11%), Roblox (9.5%), Far Cry (9.4%) and Call of Duty (9%). But Need for Speed, Grand Theft Auto, or the Sims also use malware programmers to spread malware.
Mobile games play a lesser role in the spread of viruses & co. than PC games. But Minecraft is also in first place in its mobile version, followed by GTA.
Overall a drop
On the positive side, however, the proportion of malware distributed via games fell by 30 percent overall, and the number of affected users even fell by 36 percent compared to 2020.
This is how the malware spreads
For example, the virus programmers disguise their malware as game cheats that are offered for download; often via phishing emails or via fake websites. Or the malicious programs are distributed via alleged installation files, key generators or even as the games themselves.
Why do virus authors use games to camouflage?
Games are popular and have a huge audience. So the virus programmers rely on the sheer mass of potential victims to get their malware out there. In addition, hacks or cheats are widespread among players. Likewise, pirated copies of games are not uncommon, so such downloads are quite common. Since cheats and pirated copies often cause virus scanners to sound an alarm when they are downloaded, it is probably normal for many gamers to turn off their virus scanners when downloading this type of software. Of course, this makes it easier for the malware to spread.
These malicious programs are distributed
Backdoors and Trojans in particular end up on the infected computers. These are usually distributed via downloaders, which are not dangerous in themselves, but then download backdoors and Trojans. These in turn steal access data and data from the infected PCs. But it also spreads adware that displays unwanted ads, as does Cryptominer.
Kaspersky recommends always securing all access with two-factor authentication. Then hackers cannot take over someone else’s account, even with stolen access data. Always install a virus scanner and keep it up to date. Above all, only download games from the manufacturers’ official websites. Never click on links in e-mails from senders you do not know and you do not know whether the e-mail is really safe.
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