The hype around GTA 6 is real and so are the attempts that trying to steal personal information or worse through the use of malware, using Rockstar’s upcoming game and it’s incredible hype as a method to pounce on unsuspecting victims. This should come as no surprise. People that spread malware in an attempt to target vulnerable online users and potentially steal data, money, or other sensitive info, will use every available tool they can to get to you.
Sometimes, this means they use things that a large number of people are excited about. Because it’s a numbers game. With how many people are looking forward to the release of GTA 6, chances are there are a few who might fall for something. That’s the nature of the beast that is online security. You can avoid the pitfalls if you stay vigilant though. And with the help of companies like NordVPN who have discovered this surge in malware spreading.
GTA 6 hype leads to surge in malware attempts, using fake installers and “beta keys” as bait
A new report from NordVPN has shed light on a surge in malware attempts that are targeting fans of the upcoming GTA 6 game from Rockstar. The Intelligence Research Unit at the company has discovered things like fake installers that have targeted both PC and Android users. Once installed, this software spreads trojans that do everything from trying to convince users to download further malware to pressuring them to subscribe to paid services.
Trojans are also being hidden in fake game repacks, and Android users are being targeted through adware and phishing attacks. Additionally, Android users are being targeted with a fake beta key signup. It should go without saying, but there is no GTA 6 beta. Rockstar has not announced that there would be a public beta. Nor is there likely to be one unless officially announced. Of course, the biggest red flag is that GTA 6 isn’t being released for any platforms outside of PS5 or Xbox Series consoles. Not right away. The game will eventually be available for PC. But that will take time.
With that in mind, it’s easy to stave off these attacks. You simply have to avoid anything to do with downloading GTA 6 game-related files. That means beta keys, game repacks for PC, and installers for a game that isn’t going to be on PC for quite some time.
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