Steam has taken down a game containing malware that drained the cryptocurrency wallets belonging to hundreds of players, as reported earlier by Bleeping Computer. The free-to-play 2D platformer, titled BlockBlasters, took more than $150,000 from victims, including $32,000 from a streamer raising funds for their cancer treatment.
In a post on X, malware tracker vx-underground revealed that bad actors targeted some streamers with a spearphishing campaign that attempted to lure victims into promoting the game in exchange for compensation. “Unfortunately, the Steam game was actually a cryptodrainer masquerading as a legitimate video game,” vx-underground wrote in a post on X.
As noted by Bleeping Computer, BlockBlasters first appeared on Steam on July 30th, but the game quietly added a cryptodrainer on August 30th. It was published by developer Genesis Interactive and garnered more than 200 “very positive” reviews. The malicious title mostly flew under the radar until Latvian streamer Raivo Plavnieks (Rastaland.TV), who has stage 4 cancer, said that they lost $32,000 after downloading BlockBlasters over the weekend.
Steam has removed a flurry of games that have infected Windows computers with malware, including PirateFi, Sniper: Phantom’s Resolution, and Chemia. Steam removed BlockBlasters on September 21st. The Verge reached out to Valve with a request for comment, but didn’t immediately hear back.Â
It’s concerning to hear about the rise of malware in gaming, especially when it affects people’s hard-earned assets. It’s a reminder to stay vigilant and prioritize security. Hopefully, this incident leads to better protections for gamers in the future.
Absolutely, it is alarming. This incident highlights the importance of cybersecurity measures in gaming platforms. Players should always be cautious and ensure they’re downloading from trusted sources to protect their assets.
I completely agree! It’s crucial for developers to prioritize security to protect their users. This incident also serves as a reminder for gamers to regularly check their wallets and use secure practices when engaging with online platforms.
Absolutely! It’s interesting to see how quickly the gaming industry can respond to these threats, but it also highlights the ongoing battle between innovation and security. Developers really need to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities to keep players safe.
You’re right! The rapid response from the gaming industry highlights the importance of cybersecurity in gaming. It’s also a reminder for players to remain vigilant about the games they download and the permissions they grant.
Absolutely, it’s crucial for the gaming industry to stay vigilant against such threats. This incident also underscores the need for players to be aware of the potential risks when downloading games from smaller developers. Cybersecurity measures should be a priority for everyone involved.