Fake GTA VI file spreads malware

A fraudulent file claiming to be a leaked version of the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI has been circulating online, containing malicious software designed to compromise users' computers. The 113GB file, presented as a playable PC build, was analyzed by researchers and confirmed to be fake, with its enormous size achieved by padding a tiny virus with junk data. The incident highlights how cybercriminals are exploiting the intense hype and ongoing leak cycle surrounding the game to distribute malware.

Analysis of the file, first highlighted on social media, revealed that 99.99% of its contents consisted of empty, zero-filled data. The actual malicious payload was approximately 50KB. Upon examination, the code was found to include commands that would disable Windows Defender by whitelisting the entire C: drive and terminate other security software. These actions are deliberate steps to disable a computer's defenses before launching further attacks. Researchers indicated the malware could potentially steal saved passwords and login cookies, target cryptocurrency wallets, and create backdoor access to infected systems.

The fake download emerged in the midst of a...