Cybercriminals are aggressively exploiting pre-order anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6 by targeting PC and mobile users with fake applications. According to NordVPN, attackers are cloning well-known piracy websites to distribute malware disguised as game files. While rumors have circulated that GTA 6 will use cryptocurrency, these claims remain unsubstantiated as the game nears its November release.
Cybercriminals are weaponizing widespread excitement surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6, flooding the internet with phishing traps and malware repacks ahead of the game’s highly anticipated November release. According to research from NordVPN’s Threat Intelligence team, bad actors quickly moved to capitalize on recent rumors that pre-orders could be open soon.
The pitfalls range from amateur phishing sites to sophisticated, multi-platform malware campaigns targeting platforms the game won’t initially support. Several websites are promising “exclusive beta keys” for console owners, prompting users to pay for subscriptions or download software.
“When people are desperate to get early access to something, their guard comes down,” noted NordVPN CTO Marijus Briedis. “That’s the window attackers exploit.” Other cybercriminals are targeting gamers who want the title for free by distributing malware disguised as game files for Windows machines.
In one instance, running a fake package activated a malicious file disguised as an Nvidia graphics driver, which quietly allowed cybercriminals to alter a device’s memory. The malicious file could download additional malware and receive external instructions.
A fake Android app takes advantage of the game’s branding to silently serve full-screen ads and direct users to subscription websites. Researchers also tracked “hundreds of amateur phishing pages” that target Rockstar Social Club credentials via fake login forms.
One fake GTA 6 app for Android was traced to a domain with a history of pushing banking trojans, ransomware, and infostealers. These infostealers represent a unique threat to cryptocurrency owners who safeguard digital assets using private keys.
It has been rumored for years that GTA 6 will implement crypto, but those whispers have gone unsubstantiated. Bitcoin gained prominence in relation to the game when a trailer was doctored and leaked years ago.
