Hacker attack on popular children’s gaming platform: 34 million access data appeared on the darknet

We often report that cybercriminals are primarily targeting your bank details and are trying to obtain them using phishing attacks. However, if you spend a lot of time playing video games in your free time, you are also a very popular victim for fraudsters.

Hackers are particularly interested in your accounts and access data and sell their loot on the Darknet. The cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky have found frightening results in an analysis. Not only users of gaming platforms such as Twitch or Steam are affected by widespread hacker attacks, but also fans of the online game Roblox. This is particularly popular with children.

Roblox fans are at risk

In the period between 2021 and 2023, almost 34 million access data for the game Roblox were stolen and then published on the darknet. According to Yuliya Novikova, Head of Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence, the young age of the victims is a decisive factor for this enormous number. Children and young people are definitely more susceptible to fraud on social networks (social engineering).

According to Novikova, a popular method is to hide malware in supposed cheat code files or mods. These are then provided, for example, in the video descriptions of YouTube videos. As soon as these are shared, nothing stands in the way of widespread distribution.

The type of malware used is called infostealers. This malware is designed to steal login credentials and then misuse them for cyberattacks or sell them on the dark web. Between 2021 and 2023, Roblox accounts were traded in almost 150 posts on the Internet’s black market.

Roblox accounts are also a sought-after target because of their content. Hackers often target the in-game currency Robux or in-game items. Theft of these digital goods can be particularly annoying. If account access has been restored after a hacker attack, the items paid for with real money can still be lost forever.

The number of data leaks is increasing explosively

Although the Roblox case is a particularly striking example of hacker attacks in the gaming sector, platforms and game manufacturers such as Twitch, Steam, Electronic Arts and Sony are no less affected. Quite the opposite. Stolen Steam credentials continue to be a popular target for hackers.

The reason for this is the various in-game content such as currency, rare skins or other items. The cybercriminals can sell these in addition to the captured account. Hackers can also steal real money from their victims via Steam. In the last three years, around 10,000 Darknet posts offered stolen Steam accounts.

The popularity of stolen gaming accounts is also reflected in the number of data leaks. In 2021, around 4.7 million pieces of data were disclosed. In 2023 there were already 15.5 million. This corresponds to growth of 231 percent. There is no end to this trend in sight, which is why you should protect yourself and your accounts accordingly.

Prevent account theft

Basically, it doesn’t take much work to protect yourself from a hacker attack. As long as you take the right precautions from the start, your account should be safe. The first step is to choose a secure password. Also uses a unique password.

You should also always use two-factor authentication. Even if your password is stolen, you will prevent hackers from logging in. The following instructions show you how to proceed on popular platforms.

Of course, you should also surf the Internet with your eyes open. You should never click on dubious messages and links. Also, under no circumstances should you give your login details to strangers. No matter what reason they supposedly have for the query. An antivirus program also offers additional protection. It alerts you to potential threats and significantly minimizes the danger.

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