TECHNOLOGY
Malware that steals credentials, credit card details abuse biggest new games
September 15, 2022 7:19 p.m.
In the first half of 2022, Kaspersky researchers detected increased activity of cybercriminals abusing gamers. The number of users attacked by malicious software, which gathers sensitive data and spreads under the guise of some of the most popular gaming titles, has increased by 13% compared to the first half of 2021.
In attempts to download new games from untrustworthy resources for free, players actually received malicious software, losing their gaming accounts and even money. These and other findings are part of the gaming-related threats report issued by Kaspersky.
To assess the current landscape in gaming risks, Kaspersky experts observed the most popular PC and mobile games-related threats. Overall, between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022, Kaspersky security solutions detected more than 384,000 users affected by almost 92,000 malicious or unwanted unique files that mimicked 28 games or series of games.
In addition to the large number of downloaders that are able to install other unwanted programs, and adware, Kaspersky researchers even detected Trojan-Spies – a category of spyware capable of tracking any data entered on the keyboard and taking screenshots.
The research also revealed a growth in attacks made with malicious software that steals sensitive data from infected devices. It included Trojan-PSW, which gathers victims’ credentials, Trojan-Banker, that steals payment data, and Trojan-GameThief, which collects login information for gaming accounts.
From July 1st, 2021 to June 30th, 2022 Kaspersky security solutions detected a total of 3,705 unique files distributing this malicious software under the guise of popular games or series of games. In the first half of 2022, Kaspersky researchers observed a 13 percent increase in the number of users attacked with it in comparison to the first half of 2021. The number of such unique files used to infect users also increased in the first half of 2022 by nearly a quarter, compared to the same period in 2021: 1,868 and 1,530 files, respectively.
Most often, users receive malicious files when they try to download games not from official sites, but from third-party webpages. This is especially true if a new game is quite expensive and the player wants to save money by finding a copy for free on untrustworthy sites. However, they will lose much more than if they had bought a legitimate version. For example, many malicious files steal login information for gaming accounts, banking details and even crypto wallet data by infecting devices.
Attackers purposely seek to spread threats under the guise of games that either have a huge captive audience or that have only recently been released and are constantly on gamers’ radars. Well-known games such as Roblox, FIFA or Minecraft, for example, as well as the new parts of big series of games, released during the last year – Elden Ring, Halo, and Resident Evil – were actively abused by attackers who spread RedLine malware under their guise.
RedLine is password-stealing software, which extracts sensitive data from the victim’s device such as passwords, saved bank card details, cryptocurrency wallets, and credentials for VPN services.
From July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 Kaspersky solutions detected 2,362 unique users attacked with RedLine, spread under the guise of popular games, which makes it the most active threat family for the period given. Redline is usually sold for a very low price on various hacker forums, therefore, it has huge popularity among cybercriminals.
In addition to spreading malicious files, attackers continue to actively create and spread new phishing pages in the gaming sphere. For the first time Kaspersky experts discovered a new scheme of phishers attacking gamers. Mimicking the whole interface of in-game stores for CS:GO, PUBG and Warface, scammers create fraudulent pages, offering potential victims a decent arsenal of various weapons and artifacts for free.
To receive the gift, players need to enter login data for their social network accounts, such as Facebook or Twitter. After taking over accounts, attackers are likely to search through personal messages for card details, or ask various friends of the victim for money, preying on their trust and carelessness.
Scammers create fake in-game store mimicking the PUBG mobile interface. The scheme encourages users to log in using their social media credentials
“During the pandemic the gaming industry was greatly boosted, increasing the number of gaming fans several times over. As we can see, cybercriminals are actively abusing this trend, creating more and more new schemes and tools to attack players and steal their credit card data and even game accounts, which can contain expensive skins that can later be sold. We expect to see new types of attacks on gamers in the next year. For example, strikes on Esports, which are now gaining huge popularity around the world. That’s why it’s so important to always be protected, so you don’t lose your money, credentials, and gaming account,” comments Anton V. Ivanov, senior security researcher at Kaspersky.
Read about other gaming-related threats in 2022 in the full report on Securelist.
To stay safe while gaming, Kaspersky recommends:
- It is safer to download your games from official stores like Steam, Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon Appstore only. Games from these markets are not 100 % secure, but they at least are checked by store representatives and there is some kind of screening system: not every app can get into these stores.
- If you wish to buy a game that is not available through major stores, purchase them from the official website only. Double-check the URL of the website and make sure it is authentic.
- Beware of phishing campaigns and unfamiliar gamers. Do not open links received by email or in a game chat unless you trust the sender. Do not open files you get from strangers.
- Do not download pirated software or any other illegal content, even if you are redirected to it from a legitimate website.
- A strong, reliable security solution will be a great help to you, especially if it will not slow down your computer while you are playing, but at the same time, it will protect you from all possible cyberthreats. For example, Kaspersky Total Security works smoothly with Steam and other gaming services.
- Use a robust security solution to protect yourself from malicious software and its activity on mobile devices, such as Kaspersky Internet Security for Android.
TECHNOLOGY
We checked what’s inside the HONOR X9c 5G and here’s why it’s the toughest phone of 2025
7:30 p.m. January 3, 2025
Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines has done it again with its viral and elevated durability challenge for the most awaited toughest phone of the year, the HONOR X9c 5G. To prove durability claims, HONOR has shared the secrets of how HONOR X9c 5G became highly durable.
“HONOR X9c 5G has an All-Angle Triple Defense now. It is not just drop-resistant anymore where HONOR X9a and X9b 5G were known for. It is now water and heat-resistant that made this smartphone the toughest phone to hit the market yet,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.
What’s behind HONOR X9c 5G’s Ultra-Toughness
- Back-to-back Super Double Tempered Glass – Not only does the screen use this top-of-the-line tempered class, but the camera module also uses the same material. This glass is more durable than others making it more drop-resistant and scratch-resistant. With this, HONOR X9c 5G now has 360-degree drop resistance for up to two meters in height. HONOR X9c 5G also has survived more than 10 surfaces drop test on marble, cobblestone, gravel, asphalt etc.
- Technical principle-under-screen shock-absorbing material – Simply put, the gap between the screen and the middle frame is filled with shock-absorbing materials to reduce the impact of the hard supporting objects of the middle frame on the screen.
- 3-layer Water-Resistant Structure – The first layer is an external leakage port protection for side key port, SPK hole, and card tray hole upgraded to LIM (Liquid Injection Molding) rubber ring. The second layer protection which is for interface has USB rubber sleeve adopting straight surface matching + double sealing ribs; the card holder pokes pinholes to control roughness; and the leakage is reduced. The third layer is for board level and software protection: BTB protection with added foam; waterproof detection + software protection
All this and more when you get the HONOR X9c 5G! Interested in knowing more about the toughest phone? Don’t dare miss its grand launch live on Facebook (https://bit.ly/X9cLaunch_PR) on January 10, 6PM!
For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.
In the meantime, check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).
TECHNOLOGY
Capture life’s magic with vivo Y19s’ 50MP Night AI Camera
4:20 p.m. December 27, 2024
Step up your photography game with the vivo Y19s for as low as P6,499, the smartphone designed for those who live life in full color.
Equipped with a 50MP Night AI Camera and AI Photo Enhance, the vivo Y19s ensures that every shot is breathtaking, even at night!
Budget phone that revolutionizes night photography
The vivo Y19s redefines what a budget smartphone can achieve in low-light conditions. Its powerful 50MP Night AI Camera is engineered to capture crisp, vibrant, and detailed images, even in dim environments.
With advanced AI technology, it automatically optimizes your shots, making your photos vibrant and full of life any time of the day.
Even portrait shots look stunning! Check this out:
[Embed video here: https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_philippines/video/7443407000601382200 ]
Effortless editing with AI Photo Enhance
Complementing its 50MP Night AI Camera, vivo Y19s also boasts AI Photo Enhance, a tool that optimizes images in one click by intelligently adjusting the exposure, colors, and sharpness of your photography to ensure an Instagram-ready photo!
Stylish colorways to match your flair
Beyond its camera, the vivo Y19s is built for seamless, all-day use. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching videos, or gaming with friends, this smartphone is made to keep up:
- Bright and Vibrant Display: The 6.68-inch screen with 1000 nits peak brightness ensures clear visuals, even under direct sunlight.
- Enduring Power: With a 5500mAh battery and 15W fast charging, the vivo Y19s powers your day from start to finish.
- Durable and Stylish Design: Choose from Pearl Silver, Glacier Blue, or Glossy Black and enjoy IP64 dust and water resistance – style and durability combined.
Get yours today
The vivo Y19s is available for as low as P6,499 with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Ready to make your memories even more stunning? Grab yours today at the vivo e-store, Shopee, or Lazada, or visit the nearest vivo physical store!
TECHNOLOGY
Zoom into the Powerful Camera Features of the OPPO Find X8
6:25 p.m. December 26, 2024
In today’s fast-paced world, capturing memories isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way to tell your story. Whether you’re sipping a latte at your favorite hidden café, enjoying a vibrant night out, or exploring scenic landscapes, the OPPO Find X8 ensures every moment is captured in stunning detail.
Hasselblad Master Camera System: Professional Quality in Your Pocket
At the heart of the OPPO Find X8 is the Hasselblad Master Camera System, a game-changer for mobile photography. Featuring three 50MP cameras—a wide-angle, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens—it allows you to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intricate close-ups with outstanding quality.
The AI Telescope Zoom lets you snap crystal-clear images even at 120x, so you can immortalize those far-off moments.
Additionally, the periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and AI-enhanced 60x zoom brings distant subjects into sharp focus. Imagine capturing the perfect shot of your idol on stage—even from the nosebleed section of the concert hall.
Love taking portraits? The Hasselblad Portrait Mode recreates the iconic bokeh effect of Hasselblad’s legendary lenses. Whether it’s a candid shot during brunch or a golden-hour portrait at the park, your photos will radiate elegance and clarity.
Pro Tip: Elevate your portraits by playing with the lighting. With the OPPO Find X8’s intelligent subject detection, even low-light settings turn into your personal photo studio.
Lightning Snap: Perfect for Action Shots
Life doesn’t wait for the perfect moment, and neither should you.
With the OPPO Find X8’s Lightning Snap feature, you can freeze moving subjects, be it a bustling city street or your bestie dancing at a rooftop bar. The camera captures bursts at up to 7 frames per second, ensuring you never miss a beat.
Pro Tip: Hold down the shutter button while capturing motion. Later, select your favorite frame to showcase your creativity.
HyperTone Image Engine: True-to-Life Photos
The HyperTone Image Engine takes your photos to the next level by merging multiple frames into one breathtaking image. Vibrant colors, balanced lighting, and rich details make every shot gallery-worthy. Whether it’s the latte art on your cappuccino or a vibrant sunset, your photos will pop with lifelike beauty.
LivePhoto: Bring Moments to Life
Why settle for static photos when you can have dynamic ones? The LivePhoto feature captures both stills and short video clips, letting you relive moments exactly as they happened. It’s perfect for capturing a bustling market scene or the cheers during a celebration.
Make Every Night an Adventure
Night owls will love the OPPO Find X8’s low-light capabilities. Its advanced sensors and AI ensure noise-free, vibrant photos even in dim settings. Whether you’re capturing neon lights at your favorite bar or a starry night during a getaway, the results are nothing short of magical.
Make Memories That Last
Whether it’s a solo café session, or a night out with friends, or a weekend getaway, the OPPO Find X8 ensures every moment is picture-perfect. Its intelligent, user-friendly features make it the ideal tool for modern, on-the-go creatives.
The OPPO Find X8 is now available nationwide. It’s priced at PHP 54,999 and comes in two colorways – Space Black and Star Grey. Visit any authorized OPPO stores or shop in the OPPO’s official stores in Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop to get your hands on this powerhouse device.
Celebrate Christmas the Maligayang PaskOPPO way
Are you a My OPPO App user? Register now to participate in the Maligayang PaskOPPO promo where over Php 500 million worth of gifts await Filipino shoppers until January 5, 2025 both online and in stores.
Download the My OPPO App or visit this link to know more or drop by your nearest OPPO stores nationwide to enjoy these exciting perks
To know more about the OPPO Find X8, Maligayang PaskOPPO Campaign, and the My OPPO App, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
Agoda: Cebu is tourist favorite to welcome ‘The Year of the Snake’
PAL Interclub’s return to Bacolod celebrates triumph of human spirit
TCL to Inspire Greatness at CES 2025 with latest products, innovations
