Cybercriminals using online games like Minecraft, Roblox, Far Cry to insert powerful malware on gadgets

A team of security researchers has discovered that nearly 25% of malicious files are spread 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.

Hackers are using popular game titles to trick users into downloading malwares. (Unsplash)

Cyber criminals 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 to trick players into downloading dangerous malware. A team of security researchers has discovered that nearly 25% of malicious files are spread by Minecraft-related files via game brand abuse. Not only Minecraft, but other game titles like FIFA (11%), Roblox (9.5%), Far Cry (9.4%), Call of Duty (9%), Need for Speed, Grand Theft Auto, Valorant, The Sims, and GS:GO are also being abused by hackers.

According to Kaspersky, mobile gamings has a smaller distribution volume than those on PC gaming and Minecraft dominates with a 40% share, followed by GTA (15%), PUBG (10%), Roblox (10%), and FIFA (5%).

Why do hackers use popular game titles to lure users?

The hackers are using game titles massively to lure people, as these abused game titles have tens of millions of users. Additionally, these games also include in-game economy aspects too by promising “easy progress” through hacks, valuable items, and others to attract users.

Kaspersky has even highlighted some of the fraudulent in-game item stores that resemble originals and trick players into paying for items they'll never get. The hackers also use this trick to steal user's account credentials.

According to Kaspersky's statistics, most malicious files targeting players are downloaders that account for 88.5% of all detected infection cases.

Other threat types that hold substantial accounts are adware (4.2%), and trojans that steal users' data or give hackers remote access to the victim's device (3%). The research agency also shared that in many cases info-stealers, cryptocurrency miners, or both are dropped onto the victim's computer through these games.

So if you love gaming and keep purchasing in-game items, make sure that you don't end up being a victim of cybercrime.