Call of Duty Cheaters Lose Bitcoin to Malware
In an attempt to gain an unfair advantage in the video game, some Call of Duty players have lost Bitcoin after downloading cheating software containing malware. Instead of helping them become ‘pro players,’ these cheats were laced with malware designed by hackers to steal personal information, including Bitcoin wallets. This incident has not just shaken the gaming community but also serves as a wake-up call about the real consequences of cheating in the digital world. Let’s delve deeper into the details of the incident and how to avoid such risks.
The Incident
A massive cyberattack targeted the gaming community, particularly Call of Duty players and others within the Activision Blizzard ecosystem. Many users fell victim after installing third-party cheat software that carried malware designed to steal personal data and digital assets, including Bitcoin wallets. Numerous players lost control of their keys and assets with just a few clicks, facing not only the risk of gaming account bans but also actual financial losses.
Malware Hidden in Cheating Software
Crypto wallet drainers, a form of malware, target hot wallets, which are cryptocurrency wallets installed directly on computers or as browser extensions. This ‘info thief’ malware is cleverly embedded in cheating software distributed on popular gaming forums like PhantomOverlay, UnknownCheats, and ElitePVPers. Once installed, the malware quietly collects login data, account details, and even private keys from cryptocurrency wallets, notably Electrum, a popular Bitcoin wallet for PCs.
Kaspersky had previously warned Mac users about a similar security vulnerability targeting wallets like Bitcoin and Exodus.
The Impact
According to VX Underground, this crypto malware may have affected over 4.9 million accounts, including almost 3.7 million Battle.net accounts, over 560,000 Activision accounts, and around 117,000 ElitePVPers accounts. Cheat software platforms like UnknownCheats and PhantomOverlay were also compromised, impacting 572,831 and 1,365 accounts, respectively.
Activision Blizzard confirmed that their servers were not breached, and the data leaks originated from third-party platforms.
Security Recommendations
- Avoid using unproven or cheat software
- Use cold wallets instead of hot wallets
- Activate two-factor authentication and change passwords regularly
- Exercise caution when downloading files or clicking suspicious links
- Install trusted antivirus and security software
Conclusion
The incident where Call of Duty players lost Bitcoin due to downloading cheat software highlights the importance of security in the digital world. Playing games fairly not only brings joy but also helps protect your assets and personal information in a world filled with risks. Stay vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard yourself from potential threats.
For further guidance, our in-house Cybersecurity team at BitcoinVN offers personalized consulting sessions to help you secure your digital assets effectively. Schedule your private session today at bitcoinvn.io/consulting.
