HYDERABAD: Cyber threats are not just prevalent in the shady corners of the Internet but they also prominent in the world of online gaming -- so much so that it has impacted some of the most popular video games like “Grand Theft Auto V”. The recent vulnerability in the game allows hackers to hijack players’ games and sabotage it.
The latest addition to the Grand Theft Auto series, which hit the markets on April this year, has been rendered the most profitable entertainment product of all time with nine crore sales and Rs 600 crore in revenue. However, this does not mean it has been immune to cyber threats. The issue pertains around a bug that was found in the game’s latest update.
The bug, according to security researchers, allowed ‘mod menu’ or a series of alterations sought out and installed by players, was suddenly able to discover an online player’s ID. Malicious troll exploited that vulnerability, took control of those IDs’ single-player games and soon the games were hijacked and sabotaged.
In one of the instances, a troll interrupted the live feed of an online GTA gamer, and his character in the single-player game started dropping dead the instant the game started. In the middle of the feed, the troll sent the gamer a message (a thing impossible to replicate outside multi-player games) saying:
“You are not safe in single-player.”
Security researchers suggested gamers to limit their personal information on their online profile.
Gary Davis of McAfee in his blog post said: “When creating your profile, avoid displaying your personal information that could potentially be used against you by hackers, such as your name, address, date of birth and email address.”
He also urged gamers to be careful while chatting inside a game.
“Its important to be aware of the risks associated with chatting to strangers. If you choose to use the chat feature in your online game, never give out your account details and avoid opening messages with attached files or links.”