In an attempt to gain an unfair advantage in the game, some Call of Duty players have lost Bitcoin after downloading cheating software containing malware. Instead of helping them become “pro gamers”, these cheats were laced with malware designed by hackers to steal personal information, including Bitcoin wallets.
This incident has not only shaken the gaming community but also serves as a wake-up call about the real consequences of cheating in the digital world. Let’s take a deeper dive into the details of the incident and how to avoid such risks in this article!
The Incident
A large-scale cyberattack has targeted the gaming community, especially Call of Duty players and others within the Activision Blizzard ecosystem. Many users became victims after installing third-party cheat software that carried malware designed to steal personal information and digital assets, including Bitcoin wallets.
Numerous gamers fell victim to this scam, losing control of their keys and assets with just a few clicks. Not only did they face the risk of having their gaming accounts banned for using cheat software, but they also suffered actual financial losses as well. This attack once again highlights the growing security risks in the digital age, where even activities like gaming can become a fertile ground for cybercriminals to exploit.
Malware hidden in cheating software
Crypto wallet drainers are a type of malware designed to target hot wallets, those cryptocurrency wallets installed directly on computers or as browser extensions.
Specifically, this “info stealer” malware is cleverly embedded in cheating software and distributed on popular gaming forums or platforms such as PhantomOverlay, UnknownCheats, and ElitePVPers. Once installed on the victim’s machine, the malware silently collects login data, account information, and even private keys from cryptocurrency wallets, especially Electrum – a popular Bitcoin wallet for PCs.
Earlier in January, Kaspersky security company had warned Mac users about a similar security vulnerability targeting wallets like Bitcoin and Exodus.
“The damage from this attack is severe. What’s surprising is that Activision Blizzard is now collaborating with the very cheat software providers to help the affected users recover from this large-scale information theft campaign” said a representative from VX Underground.
The Impact
According to VX Underground, this crypto malware may have impacted over 4.9 million accounts, including nearly 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 affected, with 572,831 and 1,365 accounts being compromised, respectively.
PhantomOverlay only discovered the issue after several users reported unusual transactions not made by them. The PhantomOverlay team then contacted the ElitePVPers forum to verify additional information, which revealed that over 40,000 valid accounts on their platform had been compromised.
Activision Blizzard confirmed that their servers were not breached, and the data leaks originated from third-party platforms.
The Takeaway
This incident serves as a strong reminder to those who seek an unfair advantage in gaming. Using cheat software not only violates the game publisher’s policies but also exposes users to the risk of fraud, loss of account control, and theft of digital assets.
To protect yourself from online threats, especially while participating in online games, gamers should implement these 5 security measures:
Avoid using unverified or cheat software
Cheat software or software from untrusted sources can contain malware or tracking software that compromises your account. Always download software from reputable sources.
Use cold storage instead of hot wallets
Cold wallets, such as Trezor and Ledger, are the safest way to store cryptocurrency since they are not directly connected to the internet, minimizing the risk of hacks. While hot wallets store coins online and are vulnerable to attacks, cold wallets ensure that your assets remain secure even if your system is compromised.
Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) and change your password frequently
To protect your accounts, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all online platforms you use, including gaming accounts and cryptocurrency wallets. This additional layer of security helps prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, change your passwords regularly and ensure they are strong, containing special characters, numbers, and uppercase letters.
Be cautious when downloading files from the Internet or clicking suspicious links
Always be cautious when downloading files or clicking on links from unknown emails, messages, or websites. These files may contain malware that can steal your personal information or digital assets.
Use reliable antivirus and security software
Install and maintain high-quality antivirus software to protect your computer from malware. Good security software will also scan for potential threats and prevent attacks before they happen.
Ultimately, playing fair not only makes the gaming experience more enjoyable but also helps protect your personal information and assets in an increasingly complex and risky digital world. Remember, security is the most important factor in enjoying games without worrying about the loss of assets or personal information.
Conclusion
The incident where Call of Duty players lost Bitcoin due to downloading cheat software once again 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 an online world full of risks. Always stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect yourself from potential threats.
Need further guidance?
Our in-house Cybersecurity team at BitcoinVN offers 1:1 consulting sessions designed to help you take full control of your digital assets – securely and confidently.
Whether you’re just getting started with self-custody, exploring advanced setups like MuSig, or want to harden your operational security, our experts will guide you step-by-step toward true self-sovereignty. No fluff, no shortcuts – just practical, Bitcoin-native security tailored to your needs.
🔐 Book your private session today at bitcoinvn.io/consulting
