Cluley Warns - Malefactors Exploit Steam Chat to Distribute Malware

Tomsguide.com published a report on 30th December, 2014 quoting a recent blog by Graham Cluley, an Independent Security Blogger, as "Malefactors are presently using Steam which is a renowned PC gaming platform to distribute malware."

Steam is special an online entertainment platform for games and software which currently having more than 75 million user accounts.

One of Cluley's readers brought this story to his knowledge which he shared. He explains that the malware comes through built-in chat client of Steam and it may look that it has come from some known person.

If you get a message on Steam which says..."WTF?????" and links to a JPEG format image known as "screenshot", steer clear and tell your friend that he or she requires to immediately run a virus scan. The link leads to a SCR file, executable, and not to a strange picture.

The file will download and automatically installed the moment one clicks on it. This particular SCR file exploits Steam which means it may embezzle your login and financial details. At least, it comprises your friends list and send them the malware- ridden "WTF" message to all your contacts.

Cluley points out that it is unfortunate as popular chat services have long been the target of this activity.

Cluley in his latest report linked to a Malwarebytes of September 2014 while mentioning a similar threat. In September 2014, F-Secure identified the malware which is being served over the chat feature for video game streaming service Twitch.

The latest attack also suggests that Steam is not a secured platform because of large number of its users and also highlights that Steam needs to apply more security steps and improve upon security to safeguard users.

As a result of the latest attack, PC gamers should cross-check with their contacts before clicking on links which don't look like ordinary.

Currently, small number of anti-virus products consist VirusTotal service although it is worth mentioning that security solutions use a variety of technologies to protect computers and not just those elements checked by VirusTotal.

The security experts concluded that malware over the Internet is increasing due to unwanted malicious attacks of the above type.

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