Worms steal gamers' "items"

PrsKey.A steals usernames, passwords and information that can be used for profit in the game "Priston Tale."

"More malware is being written that not only causes disruption, but also steals registration keys, passwords and data from players of computer games," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at antivirus company Sophos. "In many cases the virtual weapons, cash and armour needed for such games are then sold in the real world, where there's a growing demand from online gaming fanatics."

Earlier today SC reported a Chinese man has been arrested in Japan for creating a similar program to steal information from online gamers.

According to Sophos rival internet gamers are increasingly using malicious code to steal opponents data, often violating gaming code. Stolen items can fetch thousands at auction sites such as eBay.

"If gamers buy these virtual goods online they should be careful not to purchase them from internet criminals who are making online life more dangerous for everyone," said Cluley.