Activision Blizzard Probes Cyberattack Linked to Cheating Software

Gaming giant Activision Blizzard is currently investigating a cyberattack targeting players of its popular titles, with hackers exploiting cheat software to pilfer login credentials and sensitive information from unsuspecting users.

According to reports, the hacking campaign involves the installation of malware on victims’ computers, enabling cybercriminals to steal passwords for gaming accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, and other valuable assets.

Sources familiar with the investigation revealed that Activision Blizzard is actively working to address the security breach, assisting affected players in removing the malware and safeguarding their accounts. While the exact method of malware distribution remains unclear, it is speculated that the attack may be targeting users who have installed unauthorized third-party tools, potentially including cheating software.

Delaney Simmons, a spokesperson for Activision, acknowledged the situation, stating that the company is aware of the reports regarding compromised player credentials and unauthorized software usage. However, Simmons reassured players that the company’s servers remain secure and uncompromised amid ongoing investigations.

The discovery of the hacking campaign was initially brought to light by Zeebler, a developer of cheating tools for Call of Duty, who noticed instances of account theft among users of the PhantomOverlay cheat provider. Zeebler’s investigation revealed a database of stolen credentials, prompting swift action to notify Activision Blizzard and other cheat providers affected by the breach.

While the incident raises concerns over cybersecurity within the gaming community, players who refrain from using cheat software should not be affected by the campaign. Notably, Activision Blizzard’s portfolio includes popular titles such as the Call of Duty series and Overwatch, which have historically attracted cheaters.

This latest cyberattack underscores the persistent threat posed by malware-infected cheat software targeting gamers, echoing previous incidents involving Activision Blizzard titles, such as the discovery of malware in Hearthstone cheat programs in 2016 and cryptominer installations through Call of Duty: Warzone cheats in 2021.