Cheating at some of the biggest games nowadays is a tactic that is as immoral as it is common. Fortnite cheats are extensively searched for, but Apex Legends cheats were also big, especially during the pinnacle of Respawn’s battle royale game. However, running any kind of unknown program is a risky proposition that could lead to some serious consequences. As it turns out, many teenagers who were looking for Apex Legend, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Fortnite cheats ended up seeing their computers infected with a malware called Baldr.
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The warning came from digital security firm Sophos, describing the malware as “an up-and-coming password stealer” whose main purpose was to access gaming accounts to steal and sell in-game currency. However, it has evolved through at least four revisions and is now able to steal credit card numbers, login credentials for sites such as Netflix and LinkedIn, as well as assorted info that usually ends up for sale in the dark web.
According to The Telegraph (via PCGamer), the Baldr malware started spreading through online gaming circles, mostly promoted by YouTube videos advertising Apex Legends and Fortnite cheats. Viewers were tricked into clicking a link to download the tool, in the hopes that it would help them win at their favorite game.
Teenagers are the preferred targets, as they might not be as aware of how harmful these practices can be. Unlike adults, teenagers tend to click anything and cause problems on their computers, Sophos cyber research chief Chester Wisniewski said.
This malware is described as a “hit and run,” instantly stealing the info on the computer, packing it up, and sending it to the offenders. Its origins aren’t known, but most of the infections happened in Indonesia (including Singapore), Brazil, and Russia, with the USA accounting for roughly 10.5%.
While Baldr may be temporarily inactive due to a fallout between developer and distributor, it could return in the future under a different guise. It goes without saying that there are probably other types of malware doing the rounds right now, so it is recommended to never download any tool that is promising cheats for your favorite games.
