Beware: Report finds uptick in hidden malware in PC game downloads

PC gaming has become an extremely popular hobby for people worldwide, and some have even turned their hobby into a viable career. With esports leagues popping up all over and new games being released often, it’s no wonder that the gaming industry is booming right now.

However, recent research has shown that hackers and cybercriminals capitalize on gamers’ weaknesses: free downloadable games. While some PC games are free to download and are legitimate, it can sometimes be challenging to identify the authenticity of a game.

Scammers have been injecting some illegitimate, free games on various forums with different types of malware. This comes at a time where cybersecurity issues are becoming more prevalent.

Let’s explore what to look out for, what games have hidden malware in their code, and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim to one of these scammers.

An Uptick in Hidden Malware Cases

BBC reported that video games such as Grand Theft Auto V, NBA 2K19 and Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 are being given away for free on gaming forums have hidden malware installed into their code. This cybersecurity threat is a form of crypto-mining malware coined Crackonosh.

Once one of these games has been downloaded, the malware begins to generate digital money in the form of cryptocurrency. So far, criminals have made an estimated $2 million from these online scams alone.

A cybersecurity software company, Avast, believes that the malware can be traced back to a Czech author. These cracked games are being downloaded rapidly — Avast reportedly detects 800 cases of Crackonosh on computers every day.

Aside from these malware cases, other types of attacks have occurred when gamers download various cheat codes to make their gaming experience easier. As a gamer, it’s critical to avoid downloading any software or game from an unauthorized source, even if it can be downloaded for free.

Signs to Look Out For When Downloading Games

What can you do to avoid downloading these games and becoming a victim of a malware threat or cybersecurity attack?

Let’s explore some basic cybersecurity practices, as there’s no better time than now — October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM). NSCAM helps create awareness around various types of cyber threats and educates online users on protecting themselves.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when determining if a PC game has hidden malware:

• Does downloading the game redirect you to a malicious website?
• Does the downloaded file name match the game you’re trying to play?
• Does the game file have one of these extension formats: .EXE, .ZIP or .RAR?
• Does your PC or Mac give you a malware alert when you download the game file?

Additionally, these are some ways to protect your device from potentially being compromised:

• Make sure to use official game distribution platforms.
• Double-check that websites where you download games from use HTTPS in their URL.
• Keep antivirus software and other types of reliable security software to protect your PC.

Other game titles that have been found to have malware installed on them are Minecraft, The Sims 4, Fortnite and PUBG. When you decide to download new games, keep these titles in mind and use the tips above to prevent any malware attacks on your PC.

Avoid Downloading Games With Hidden Malware

Do yourself a favor and be sure to double-check that you’re paying to download games from authorized sellers. Use some of the tips mentioned above to help do your part and protect yourself during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.