Activision is looking into spyware that steals passwords from gamers

Activision Probes Hacking Campaign Targeting Player Credentials

Activision is investigating a hacking campaign aimed at stealing player credentials, TechCrunch has reported.

The hackers' objectives, apart from stealing passwords for various accounts, remain unclear. Sources suggest that malware is being used to infiltrate victims' computers, enabling the theft of credentials for gaming accounts, crypto wallets, and more.

An insider, who spoke anonymously due to lack of authorization to discuss the issue, revealed that Activision Blizzard is working to remove the malware and assist affected players. They added that the malware’s spread method is uncertain but may be linked to users of third-party tools.

Activision spokesperson Delaney Simmons confirmed awareness of claims regarding compromised credentials across the industry, stemming from unauthorized software use. However, Simmons emphasized that Activision’s servers remain secure and uncompromised. The company denied direct involvement in malware removal, pointing to third-party software as the root cause.

The campaign was initially identified by Zebleer, a developer of cheat software for Call of Duty. Zebleer reported that the malware is disguised as legitimate-looking software, stealing usernames and passwords without the victim's knowledge. Zebleer discovered the hacking effort when a customer of their cheat software reported a stolen account.

Further investigation led Zebleer to identify a database of stolen credentials compiled by the hackers. They subsequently contacted Activision Blizzard and other cheat developers whose users were targeted. TechCrunch verified the authenticity of some stolen credentials but could not determine their age.

For now, regular Activision players seem unaffected, with the malware targeting users of third-party apps like cheats. Simmons advised players who suspect a breach to change their passwords and enable two-factor authentication.