Warning over ‘horror hack’ that instantly steals your credit card details – don’t make common mistake
A NEW type of malware is being targeted at gamers in a bid to steal their online banking logins.
According to cyber security experts, the devious software, called “Erbium”, is being presented as “cheats” and “hacks” for popular video games and distributed online.
When someone downloads it, the malware hoovers up your passwords, credit card details, cryptocurrency wallet addresses, and possibly more.
Researchers at Cluster25 discovered Erbium earlier this month, and a new report by Cyfirma reveals further information about how it’s distributed.
It’s being sold on Russian-speaking hacker forums to scores of cyber crooks looking to make a quick buck.
It’s not entirely clear how the malware is being distributed, but it’s being disguised as pirated versions of video games.
Read more about cyber crime
Similar malware has previously been spread via online forums, pirating websites and chat services such as Discord.
Like other information-stealing malware, Erbium takes data stored in web browsers, such as passwords, cookies, credit cards, and autofill information.
It can also take screen grabs on your device and pinch data from cryptocurrency wallets installed on web browsers as extensions.
It’s unclear how many people have been infected by the software so far.
Most read in Tech
Erbium is what is known as a malware-as-a-service, meaning buyers pay a fee to access all of its features.
The service originally cost $9 a week, but its growing popularity has driven the price up to $100 per month.
Alternatively, you can subscribe for a full year for $1,000. Subscribers get updates, customer support, and malware with all the bells and whistles.
Due to its rapid spread and availability, the malware could easily be adapted in the future to infect users in new ways.
To stay safe, avoid downloading pirated software and always make sure to scan any files you download with antivirus software.
It’s also a good idea to install a Firewall on your computer to protect you from attackers.
Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks
Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered...
- How to delete your Instagram account
- What does pending mean on Snapchat?
- How to check if you've been blocked on WhatsApp
- How to drop a pin on Google Maps
- How can I change my Facebook password?
- How to go live on TikTok
- How to clear the cache on an iPhone
- What is NFT art?
- What is OnlyFans?
- What does Meta mean?
Get all the latest WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and other tech gadget stories here.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]