Computer gamers are increasingly finding that there’s a serious side to their virtual fun: their hard-earned virtual objects are being stolen from them, and in some cases their entire game as well.
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The trend was first reported in an article by Hamburg-based Computer Bild magazine. On the one hand, hackers are employing phishing attacks to snare access data for user accounts for online role playing games.
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They then use the plundered passwords to transfer away virtual swords and other gear. Because the objects often demand a great deal of time to earn, once stolen they can then be resold for a significant profit.
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The magazine also notes that hackers are also trying to steal away an entire game. Many titles require gamers to register online for copyright protection purposes.
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If hackers can sniff out the passwords, they can then assume control of the account and by extension the game itself. If the hacker then changes the access data, the original purchaser can no longer access his or her own user account and is shut out from playing the game.
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One trick used to spy on users’ passwords are so-called drive-by downloads. Hackers lure players to a rigged Web site by promising additional functionality in the game.
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But the software offered for download there actually contains a Trojan that allows hackers to spy on the infected computer. Sometimes security holes in the browser are also exploited to sneak the malicious software onto the host computer.