A new danger lurks on the web and specifically targets gamers playing under Windows. Cybersecurity experts from FortiGuard Labs have just sounded the alarm: Winos4.0 malware massively infiltrates PCs via gaming-related applications. This threat not only steals your data, it can literally take over your machine.
A threat that doesn’t come out of nowhere
Winos4.0 is not entirely new to the cyber threat landscape. This malware is actually an evolution of GhostRat, a malicious framework already well known to specialists. Hackers have perfected their tool to make it even more dangerous and effective, with particularly advanced remote control capabilities.
Cybercriminals have developed a particularly vicious infection method. It all starts with downloading a seemingly harmless application such as optimization tools. Once installed, the application downloads a fake raster image that actually hides a dynamic link library. The latter then infiltrates deeply into your operating system.
Potentially devastating consequences
Once installed, Winos4.0 becomes every user’s nightmare. The capabilities of this malware are particularly extensive and worrying. Hackers gain full access to your system, allowing them to detect your cryptocurrency wallets and antivirus protections.
They can also capture your screen in real time, access your sensitive documents and collect all of your personal information to transmit it to their servers. The severity of this threat far exceeds that of traditional banking malware. This is not just money theft, but a complete takeover of your computer.
Prevention remains the best protection
Faced with this threat, vigilance is required. Experts recommend extreme caution when downloading gaming apps.
Always favor official sources like Steam or the Epic Games Store. Be especially wary of optimization tools promising miraculous performance gains.
Here again, some reputable brands offer this type of software without malware, like Razer Cortex. Of course, if you install cheats from obscure sources, we can’t do anything more for you.
- Dangerous malware named Winos4.0 is currently targeting Windows gamers via fake game optimization apps
- Once installed, it can take full control of your PC and access all your sensitive data
- To protect yourself, only download apps from official and verified sources
