Cybersecurity researchers have chanced upon an “oddball” malware that aims to prevent infected users from visiting websites that host pirated soft

This band of vigilantes is hitting internet pirates with malware attacks

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2021-06-21 21:30:07

Cybersecurity researchers have chanced upon an “oddball” malware that aims to prevent infected users from visiting websites that host pirated software.

“Instead of seeking to steal passwords or to extort a computer’s owner for ransom, this malware blocks infected users’ computers from being able to visit a large number of websites dedicated to software piracy,” writes Brandt of the so-called vigilante malware.

Brandt suggests the malware blocks the website using the HOSTS file on the infected system; a method he refers to as “crude but effective.”

In his breakdown of the malware, Brandt notes that its authors disguise it as cracked versions of popular online games such as Minecraft, as well as productivity tools, security tools, and other popular software.

The malware is distributed via ThePirateBay, notorious for hosting all sorts of pirated content including software, as well as through the game chat service Discord.