Beware: Downloading Popular games online could contain Malware

Hackers are using cracked versions of popular video games to distribute dangerous infostealer and adware, cybersecurity researchers from AhnLab have warned. The campaign is unique because the malware is hidden in virtual hard disk (VHD) files rather than ISO files, which are easier to detect. Malicious websites advertising cracked versions of games such as Elden Ring, ROBLOX, Dark Souls 3, Red Dead Redemption 2 and Call of Duty have been identified, but downloading the files simply delivers ChromeLoader, a malware that shows ads to users, steals stored browser credentials and data.

Torrent websites and other unofficial download sources are commonly used by threat actors to distribute malware and viruses, with pirated software, cracks, key generators and activators the most popular attack vectors.

The cybersecurity team advised users to avoid such sites and maintain strong antivirus solutions to prevent becoming victims of such campaigns. The researchers reported that the websites hosting the malware have been taken down.