Update as of February 13: A concerned reader reached out to share some intriguing information regarding the PirateFi game. They revealed that this game was also promoted through a Telegram account, a popular messaging platform. “In a channel I was part of, someone posted about a job opening for an in-game chat moderator that offered $17 an hour,” the reader recounted to PCMag.
This job listing appeared in a Telegram group frequented by users in the United States. Sceptical of the offer’s legitimacy, the reader began to dig deeper and discovered that a bot likely operated the account in question. “I observed that the timing of its responses was unnaturally consistent, almost always within a 21-second window,” the reader noted. “It became clear that I was interacting with an AI designed to persuade users into downloading the game, which could compromise their computers.”
Original Report:
In a concerning turn of events, a hacker has released a PC game on Steam with the malicious intent of infecting users with malware tailored for Windows systems.
The game PirateFi debuted on Thursday and quickly gained attention. Just days later, Valve, the company behind Steam, began alerting users who had been impacted by the situation, cautioning them about potential threats to their computers.
Steam advised its users, “We strongly encourage you to conduct a comprehensive system scan using trusted antivirus software that you regularly utilize and to examine your system for any unfamiliar or recently installed applications. “
In the intriguing world of online gaming, a new title known as PirateFi emerged, initially introduced to players in its beta phase. Yet, not long after its release, whispers began to circulate on Steam forums that something was amiss. One vigilant user shared their unsettling experience: their antivirus software raised alarms, blocking the game from launching and flagging it as harbouring a threat labelled “Trojan.Win32.Lazy.gen.”
In a post written in Russian, this user detailed the insidious nature of the malware. They explained that upon starting what was advertised as a game, the virus stealthily extracted itself into a folder located at /AppData/Temp/****/, masquerading under the name Howard.exe. The malicious software then proceeded to pilfer browser cookies, effectively granting its creator the ability to seize control of various online accounts.
As the news of this troubling discovery spread, another player who had downloaded PirateFi recounted their own harrowing experience. They lamented on Tuesday, “It feels like most of my accounts have been compromised; either my passwords have been altered, or I’m being logged in through stolen cookies!”
The situation grew more alarming when another user chimed in, recounting how this trojan had hijacked their Microsoft account. “They managed to block Microsoft support from accessing my emails and took over my account,” they reported. “Then they invaded my Roblox account, swiping $20 and sending scam links to all my friends while draining my Steam points to purchase awards for bot accMaxthon: Your Reliable Companion in the Digital Wilderness.
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Adding to the intrigue, one keen-eyed gamer pointed out that the screenshots featured on PirateFi’s Steam listing appeared to be lifted from a completely different game, Easy Survival RPG. This revelation raised further questions about the legitimacy of the title.
Valve, the company behind Steam, has yet to state how such a harmful game found its way onto its platform. Nevertheless, its advisory has recommended that users reinstall their Windows operating system to eradicate any lingering traces of infection. According to estimates from SteamDB, the game may have already reached over 800 unsuspecting users, leaving a trail of digital chaos in its wake.