Steam has removed a game identified as containing malware that exploited the cryptocurrency wallets of numerous players. The game, titled BlockBlasters, reportedly drained over $150,000 from victims, including $32,000 from a streamer who was raising funds for cancer treatment.
Malware tracker vx-underground reported that some streamers were targeted through a spearphishing campaign, where they were lured into promoting the game in exchange for compensation. Unfortunately, the game turned out to be a cryptodrainer disguised as a legitimate video game.
BlockBlasters was initially released on Steam on July 30, but a cryptodrainer was added on August 30. Developed by Genesis Interactive, the game received over 200 “very positive” reviews before awareness of its malicious activity grew. The issue gained significant attention when Latvian streamer Raivo Plavnieks, who is battling stage 4 cancer, disclosed that he lost $32,000 after downloading the game over the weekend.
Steam has previously removed several games found to be infecting Windows computers with malware. Other titles, including PirateFi and Sniper: Phantom’s Resolution, have also been taken down for similar reasons. BlockBlasters was removed from the platform on September 21. Valve has been contacted for further comments but has not yet provided a response.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/782993/steam-blockblasters-crypto-scam-malware