Cyber criminals stealing bank details and gaming profiles\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
MELBOURNE, Australia \u2013 27 March, 2013 \u2013 <\/b>Online gamers are the latest target for theft, according to research by Kaspersky Lab. The company\u2019s cloud based detection network, Kaspersky Security Network (KSN), recorded more than 7,000 attacks directly a day targeted at gamers.<\/p>\n
Cyber criminals are targeting gamers in an attempt to steal personal gaming data and passwords. In-game items, such as avatars and virtual goods, are being stolen and sold for real money; while online profiles and passwords are used in an attempt to steal money directly from online bank accounts.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important to treat your online gaming profile with the same level of security as you would your email or online banking details. Because all three can be just as vulnerable to attack from cyber criminals.\u201d said Wayne Kirby, Product Specialist, Kaspersky Lab Australia and New Zealand.<\/p>\n
Direct attacks<\/span><\/p>\n In order to trap gamers, cyber criminals send emails with malicious links and attachments, disguised as coming from a legitimate gaming site. In addition, Kaspersky Lab\u2019s online database detects 5000 new malicious programs targeting online games a day.<\/p>\n Phishing sites<\/span><\/p>\n Cyber criminals create fake versions of well-known gaming sites with the hope of harvesting real password details from registered gaming accounts. In 2012, Kaspersky Lab recorded 15 million attempted visits to phishing websites designed to look like the pages of one of the largest developers of online games.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u201cOnline gamers need to be aware that these scams exist, and be alert for any emails requesting account information, even if it looks legitimate. Don\u2019t just click on the link right away – it could possibly lead you to a phishing site,\u201d Mr Kirby said.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Tips to stay safe when gaming online<\/span><\/p>\n Cyber criminals stealing bank details and gaming profiles\u00a0\u00a0 MELBOURNE, Australia \u2013 27 March, 2013 \u2013 Online gamers are the latest target for theft, according to research by Kaspersky Lab. The company\u2019s cloud based detection network, Kaspersky Security Network (KSN), recorded more than 7,000 attacks directly a day targeted at gamers. Cyber criminals are targeting gamers<\/p>\n\n