Bitcoin-Stealing Malware Targets Call of Duty Cheaters: What You Need to Know

Are you a Call of Duty gamer? Do you use cheats? You might be a target. A new wave of malware is sweeping through the gaming community, specifically targeting those who use cheating software, and it’s draining Bitcoin wallets. This isn’t just about losing your game progress; it’s about losing your hard-earned cryptocurrency.

What’s Happening? A New Info-Stealing Campaign

Vx-underground, a well-known malware database, has issued a warning about a new information-stealing malware campaign. This malware targets gamers, including those who purchase and use cheating software. The goal? To steal login credentials and, more alarmingly, drain Bitcoin wallets.

Key Points:

• Target: Call of Duty gamers, especially those using cheating software.
• Method: Malware steals login credentials and drains Bitcoin wallets.
• Source: An unidentified threat actor is distributing the malware through various channels, including cheat software markets.

Who’s Affected? Millions of Accounts Compromised

The attacks have already compromised millions of accounts across several platforms:

• Activision Blizzard/Battle.net: Over 4.9 million accounts.
• Elite PVPers: A game-focused trading site.
• Cheat Software Markets: PhantomOverlay and UnknownCheats.

The Impact: Drained Bitcoin Wallets

The most concerning aspect of this malware is its ability to drain Bitcoin wallets. Victims have reported their Electrum BTC wallets being emptied. While the exact amount of stolen funds remains unknown, the impact on individual users can be devastating.

“Impacted users have begun reporting being victims of crypto-draining — their Electrum BTC wallets have been drained. We do not have any information on the amount of money stolen,” vx-underground wrote.

PhantomOverlay’s Perspective: Inflated Numbers and a Wider Network

PhantomOverlay, one of the targeted cheat software markets, claims that the number of hacked accounts may be inflated. They suggest that many of the logins in the compromised database are invalid. However, they also point to a broader issue:

The malware seems to be part of an entire network of free or cheap software, potentially originating from a latency program, VPN, or something widely used by gamers. This suggests a widespread infection vector, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact source.

“It’s the largest infostealer malware campaign in gaming/cheating community history.”

Where is the Malware Coming From?

PhantomOverlay claims to have a good idea of the malware’s origin but states that the perpetrators are aware of the suspicions and are making it increasingly difficult to prove anything definitively.

What is Activision Blizzard Doing?

Activision Blizzard has contacted PhantomOverlay and offered assistance in helping infected users. An Activision Blizzard spokesperson acknowledged the claims of compromised credentials across the industry due to malware from unauthorized software downloads.

They maintain that their servers remain secure and uncompromised and recommend users change their passwords to ensure account protection.

How to Protect Yourself: Actionable Steps

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself from this and similar malware threats:

• Change Your Passwords: Update your passwords for all gaming-related accounts, especially Activision Blizzard/Battle.net.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Be Cautious with Software Downloads: Only download software from trusted sources. Avoid free or cheap software that seems too good to be true.
• Run Antivirus Software: Keep your antivirus software up-to-date and perform regular scans.
• Monitor Your Bitcoin Wallet: Keep a close eye on your Bitcoin wallet for any unauthorized transactions.

In Conclusion: Stay Vigilant

This new malware campaign serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with using cheating software and the importance of online security. By taking proactive steps to protect your accounts and cryptocurrency, you can minimize your risk of becoming a victim. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and game safely.

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