Minecraft players target of online criminals posing as coders, why it's a big concern and how can gamers stay safe
The users of Minecraft are on the target of criminals posing as game coders online and tricking them into using malware designed to steal crucial data. This came to light after analysts traced two pieces of malware spread which seemed like Russian gangs on the code-sharing site GitHub, according to
cybersecurity
firm Check Point, It
Giving details about the malware, the researchers of Check Point said that the malware is developed by a Russian-speaking threat actor and contains several artefacts written in the Russian language, Sky News reported. The malware has been designed to steal from bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, browsers and other computer applications.
Speaking about the malware spread, Graeme Stewart, head of public sector at Check Point, said that it was similar to the way "gangs operate to take down retail. They create this and then they float it out for people to use it, he said.
Describing them as "modern-day bank heist guys," Stewart said that they are involved in all this just for the money. "They're scraping these details from Minecraft to get into people's crypto wallets, trying to steal bank details, trying to commit bank fraud," he added.
How does the malware gets triggered
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Minecraft allows users to modify the game as they play along. All players can do anything from fixing bugs to changing how the game looks. The hacking software is hidden inside the code of Minecraft modifications. They are pieces of code that permit users to change the game.
The things tend to take a wrong turn when users download the malicious code and place it into their Minecraft application. Unlike their expectations, the users don't get the ability to create "funny maps" or modify the game as promised. The next time when they load the game, the malware gets triggered and starts actively stealing data, according to Stewart.
After getting active, the malware starts stealing names, addresses, emails, bank details from the card, he further stated. What makes this malware spread a cause of concern is the fact that of the 200 million people who play Minecraft every month, around 1 million modify the game.
How can gamers stay safe online
There are several smooth ways through which all the gamers who actively participate in online gaming can enjoy their experience while staying safe from hackers and cyber attackers:
These methods include:
Use of strong passwords
Regularly updating software and devices
Monitoring the account activity
Restricting the amount of personal info
Avoid using public WIFI for gaming
Backup your account information
Download games from legitimate sources
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