Warning over ‘FREE games like GTA 5’ hacking your computer to mine Bitcoin for crooks

HACKERS are dressing up dangerous software as free games in a bid to infect people’s computers, anti-virus experts at Avast have warned.

Top titles like Grand Theft Auto V are among those favoured by cyber crooks looking to make a quick bit of cash off of unsuspecting victims.

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HandoutHackers are infecting people’s computers with malware with phony offers of free games like Grand Theft Auto V[/caption]

The malware called “Crackonosh” has been found in 220,000 computers, Avast, which is based in the Czech Republic, wrote in a recent blog post.

It’s spread to PCs through hacked versions of popular games given away on forums and other sketchy sites.

They include NBA 2K19, Far Cry 5, and Pro Evolution Soccer 2018.

Once a user has clicked download, their computer is infected with special software that hijacks your computer.

ReutersOnce the virus is on your computer, it mines cryptocurrency, slowing down your PC[/caption]

That software quietly mines cryptocurrencies in the background, slowing down the user’s PC while leaving them unaware they’ve been hacked.

Avast estimates that crooks have earned $2million using the malware to fill their pockets with cryptocurrency, which they can then trade for cash.

It’s believed that the hackers hail from the Czech Republic. Crackonosh means “mountain spirit” in Czech folklore.

“Crackonosh installs itself by replacing critical Windows system files and abusing the Windows Safe mode to impair system defenses,” Avast wrote on June 24.

“This malware further protects itself by disabling security software, operating system updates and employs other anti-analysis techniques to prevent discovery, making it very difficult to detect and remove.”

According to Avast, victims of the scam may only notice a problem when their computer starts running slower than usual.

That’s a result of the cryptomining software taking up processing power and reducing the PC’s performance.

Those with a malware-ridden device may also spot that components wear out quickly, and electricity bills skyrocket.

Avast said the rise of the attack, which has been circulating since 2018, shows the potential dangers of downloading modified or “cracked” software.

“Crackonosh shows the risks in downloading cracked software and demonstrates that it is highly profitable for attackers,” Avast said.

“As long as people continue to download cracked software, attacks like these will continue to be profitable for attackers.

“The key take-away from this is that you really can’t get something for nothing and when you try to steal software, odds are someone is trying to steal from you.”

Because Crackonosh is designed to dodge anti-virus software, if your PC is infected, it’s extremely difficult to remove.

Taking your device to your local PC store is likely the best and safest way to get your computer cleaned up and virus free.

Alternatively, you can try and eliminate the malware yourself. Avast has a guide for doing so on its website, here.

In other news, Electronic Arts, the game publishing behemoth behind FIFA and Battlefield, was hit by a major cyber attack last month.

A website for hackers revealed the details of 11million Facebook users based in the UK.

Fraudsters are posing as contacts on Whatsapp to hack into people’s phones.

And, check out the wildly impressive Panasonic 65HZ1000 TV, which makes most tellies look rubbish.

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