Online criminals are increasingly targeting online games in an effort to rob players from their virtual assets, which are then sold on auction websites.
Security vendor Trend Micro last year reported more than 3,600 spyware attacks that prey on login and password information for online games such as Second Life, Lineage and World of Warcraft.
The password stealers are often spread through spam email messages where they are presented as virtual goods or popular media content such as music or movie files.
The thieves can auction off virtual currencies and accessories such as clothing and weapons. World of Warcraft avatars can fetch several hundred dollars on auction sites. After the auction has ended, the seller and buyers will meet each other inside the game to handle the final transaction.
Online criminals take aim at games
By
Tom Sanders
on Jan 31, 2007 3:28PM
Virtual goods prove soft target.
Got a news tip for our journalists? Share it with us anonymously here.
Partner Content
Partner Content
Taking the fast track to B2B digital fitness
Promoted Content
New report reveals opportunities to address weak security in APAC organisations
Partner Content
Unblocking your organisation's data flows
Partner Content
Entries open for the 2021 Australian IoT Awards
Sponsored Whitepapers
How Security as Code changes development and deployment for the cloud
Tackle new ITSM priorities with this seven-step Micro Focus guide
Tomago Aluminium improves SAP environment performance, security with Red Hat and IBM
Future of work: Support your distributed HR workforce with digital document processes
Develop a resiliency strategy that integrates risk analysis & continuity management
