The Anti-virus Times

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

How many times have we muttered in indignation to ourselves or out loud when it takes too long to access the Internet or some website? When this happens, we usually blame our ISPs or the server owners for being stingy and not spending enough money to buy the proper hardware. But sometimes the cause can be different.

We’ve already written about cybercriminals being interested in computer games. Malware programs that target in-game items are not news, nor is it a secret that player accounts are traded.

It’s easy to understand why attackers are interested in games. But, if until recently people who’ve consciously chosen the dark side have engaged in both these activities, today the availability of hacker tools is creating temptation among gamers, too—and not everyone can resist it.

Online games allow hundreds and thousands of players to meet on the playing field. Some of them are novices, and others are professionals. Approximately 60% of gamers are playing just to pass the time (i.e., without making any special efforts to advance to the next level). Another 30% enjoy the group activities. But how can one find enjoyment in a game if some of the players take advantage of real-world capabilities to obtain advantages in the virtual world?