Categories: Analysis

Hackers use PC game vulnerabilities to mine cryptocurrencies, stealing $ 2 million from XMR

Popular antivirus software company Avast has discovered a new piece of malware called Crackonosh that is hiding in free versions of popular PC games. This malware hijacks computers for use in cryptocurrency mining.

Hackers use PC game vulnerabilities to mine cryptocurrencies, stealing $ 2 million from XMR

This malware is hidden deep in versions of popular games like Grand Theft Auto V, Far Cry 5, The Sims 4, and Jurassic World Evolution, as well as in various games. It should be noted that the affected versions of these games are not from legitimate sources but are pirated copies that appear on forums.

Once downloaded and installed, Crackonosh automates your computer’s processor to hijack it and use it to mine cryptocurrencies for hackers. Previous reports show that Crackonosh malware has been helping hackers collect $ 2 million in cryptocurrencies since June 2018.

Preliminary estimates suggest that more than 222,000 Avast users worldwide have been infected with the virus, with nearly 1,000 other devices attacked every day. These are only Avast users who were counted, the total number of infections worldwide could be significantly higher.

This is not the first time cyber criminals have targeted video games to carry out attacks. In early June, a hacking incident occurred with Steam, one of the most popular online platforms for buying copies of games. According to Akamai, cyber attacks on gamers have increased by about 350% since the Covid-19 pandemic.

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