- Experts warn that there are millions of malware variants with game theme
- Hackers lure players with the promise of loaders, cracks, exclusive content and more
- GTA, Minecraft and COD are among the most abused titles
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA), Minecraft, Call of Duty (COD) and other popular games abused left and right to distribute malware among Gen Z Gaming Community, experts have warned.
A report from Cyber Security Scientists in Kaspersky has claimed between April 1, 2024 and 31 March 2025, there were more than 19 million attempts to download malicious files spoofing popular game titles.
In general, it believes that about 400,000 people around the world may have been affected, many of them younger players.
Gta, minecraft, cod, sims hit everyone
Kaspersky says the threat actors go after older games with big, thriving communities.
GTA V was released more than a decade ago, but thanks to its open world modification capabilities it is still hugely popular. In fact, it sold more than 215 million copies around the world to date, making it one of the best -selling video games of all time.
The researchers discovered nearly 4.5 million attack attempts involving files disguised as GTA-related content.
The fact that GTA 6 is around the corner (expected to be released in 2026) only aggravates the problem as the hype leading up to the release will certainly be abused to distribute fake installers, early access offers and beta invite.
Minecraft, another tremendously popular title, became number two with 4.1 million attack attempts. Like the GTA, the attacks were most driven by the game’s huge modding ecosystem and sustained popularity. Cod ranked third place with 2.6 million attacks, followed by Sims with 2.4 million.
Hackers usually hunt for victims of forums, social media groups and instant messaging chats and channels.
They advertise cracks, loaders, various mods and additions, which often turn out to be inonteals, cryptocurrency mapers, back doors and Trojans. Kaspersky has called on players to refrain from downloading pirated content and being skeptical of gifts, promises of rare skins or different bonuses.
