One of the main reasons people shouldn't download pirated software is that hackers often upload legitimate software with malware attached . There's a similar malware circulating, this time targeting video games.
Pirated games come with malware
GamesBeat reports that security researchers have discovered a new piece of information-stealing malware called Myth Stealer. The malware is available as a weekly or monthly subscription to cybercriminals, who then embed it in games and set up fake gaming websites to distribute it.
It's not just video games. This malware is also embedded in cracks and cheats for other games that are often available as standalone archives that you can download and run.
Once installed on a victim's PC, Myth Stealer targets Gecko and Chromium-based browsers, stealing data such as saved passwords, payment data, cookies , and autofill information. Since the malware includes both Gecko and Chromium, it covers the most popular browsers such as Chrome , Edge , Firefox , and Brave , among others.
The malware was first discovered in late December 2024 when its developers created a Telegram group to market it and also offered it for free for others to try. Telegram is believed to have shut down the original channel, but the developers have kept the malware alive by switching between groups and regularly updating the source code to fool antivirus detectors.
Myth Stealer is coded in Rust , a programming language known for its cross-platform compatibility and performance benefits. Updates to the malware since then have added more features and better evasion methods. It can also bypass VirusTotal scans, meaning you may not detect it until it's too late.
Another layer of protection for the malware developers is the fact that they are not the ones carrying out the attacks. Instead, they offer a subscription service where other cybercriminals can pay to use the malware via cryptocurrency or Razer Gold gift cards, creating more distance between the malware developers and any victims.
Don't download pirated software!
The best way to protect yourself from such attacks is simply to not pirate software. By pirating, you not only download illegal software, but you also get yourself into trouble by visiting shady websites that try to scam you or download software that comes with malware.
Hackers often exploit legitimate software or web apps to spread malware. There are ways to check if a downloaded file is safe before running it, but prevention is better than cure. Even Steam isn't immune to malware, so if a site or download seems shady, it's best to avoid it altogether and save yourself the trouble.