Beware - those new Minecraft mods could be harmful malware
Malware threats disguised as Minecraft mods.
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Players eager to boost theirMinecraftexperience have been urged to exercise caution when installing add-ons and mods for their game after warnings from cybersecurity experts.
Researchers atKasperskyhave discovered a major rise in the volume of malware masquerading atMinecraftmods, particularly on theGoogle Playapp store.
The malicious files won’t add to the Minecraft experience, but can make a victim’ssmartphoneortabletunusable due to a deluge of annoying and intrusive adverts.
Minecraft malware
The add-onsidentified by Kasperskywere said to be “were totally useless from a user perspective”, and after launching for the first time, simply hid their icons. The malicious apps repeatedly opened the device’s browser to display flash ads, as well as playing videos fromYouTubeand launching Google Play app pages, all of which could expose the victim to more threats.
The company notes that the Minecraft apps were “new, improved versions” of malware it had discovered in the past. This time around, the apps would open the browser every few moments, or display full screen ads, effectively making the device unusable.
Kaspersky says it has notified Google of its findings, with the malicious apps now removed from the store - but that’s no reason to let down your guard. Always make sure the apps and mods you download are from legitimate sources, and only use approved app stores for your downloads.
This is not the first time that Minecraft has been used as a lure by cybercriminals, with the game’s millions of fans acting as an appealing target for scammers and hackers.
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In November 2020, security firm Avast flagged a number ofmalicious Minecraft-themed Android appsthat were found to be charging unsuspecting users $30 a week after a free trial period expires.
The so-called “fleeceware” apps offered new skins, colorful wallpapers, or modifications for the game, but disproportionately charge users hundreds of dollars per month.
Mike Moore is Deputy Editor at TechRadar Pro. He has worked as a B2B and B2C tech journalist for nearly a decade, including at one of the UK’s leading national newspapers and fellow Future title ITProPortal, and when he’s not keeping track of all the latest enterprise and workplace trends, can most likely be found watching, following or taking part in some kind of sport.
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