Categories: Gadgets

How cybercriminals are targeting gamers and making millions in cryptocurrency

Cybercriminals always seem to be on the lookout for new ways to trick users on the internet.
A report by CNBC reveals that their latest target is gamers and they are making millions in cryptocurrency.
The report cites research done by cybersecurity firm Avast.
According to researchers at Avast, cybercriminals are hiding Crackonosh malware in games.
The games that are being used to target users are NBA 2K19, Far Cry 5, Grand Theft Auto V, Pro Evolution Soccer 2018, and The Sims 4 — all extremely popular titles.
Avast in its report said that these games are easily available on torrent sites.
How does the malware affect users?Crackonosh malware after it is installed users the computer’s processing power to mine cryptocurrency for the hackers.
Avast researchers claim that hackers have used the malware to generate $2 million worth of cryptocurrency in the last three years.
Crackonosh installs itself by replacing critical Windows system files and abusing the Windows Safe mode to impair system defences, Avast said.
This malware further protects itself by disabling the security software, operating system updates and employs other anti-analysis techniques to prevent discovery, making it very difficult to detect and remove.
Once the malware is installed in the computer, the overall performance will become slow.
So far, Avast claims that over 2.2 lakh users have been infected so far.
The security firm also said that about 800 devices are being infected on a daily basis — though the number could be higher.
The worst-affected countries include Brazil, India, the Philippines and the US.
As long as people continue to download cracked software, attacks like these will continue to be profitable for attackers, Avast said in a post explaining the malware.
“The key take-away from this is that you really can’t get something for nothing and when you try to steal software, odds are someone is trying to steal from you,” noted the security firm.

news2in

Share
Published by
news2in

Recent Posts

44 ordered to attack the procession

Ludhiana: The police have submitted FIR to four identified and at least 40 unknown attackers…

3 years ago

Punjab: Police Reject conspiracy theory in the case of Deep Sidhu

Sonīpat / Ludhiana / Ambala: Actor Punjabi - Activist Activist Deep Sidhu, who died in…

3 years ago

Punjab: Hidden Strength Working Behind PM Narendra Modi, Arvind Kejriwal, said Rahul Gandhi

PATIALA / MANSA / BARNALA: Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and AAP National Convener Kejriawal,…

3 years ago

BJP made AAP to endanger the Congress, said Ajay

Jalandhar: BJP and AAM AAM AADMI parties are one party, Secretary General of the Ajay…

3 years ago

Our job is to make Punjab No. 1 State: Meenakshi Lekhi

Ludhiana: Minister of Union Culture Meenakshi Lekhi while campaigning to support the BJP candidate from…

3 years ago

Feb 20 is an opportunity to change the destiny of Punjab and his children: Bhagwant Mann

Machhiwara (Ludhiana): AAM AAM AADMI Party (AAP) Head of Punjab Candidate and Members of Parliament…

3 years ago