Pirated Version of Cross Days Actually a Malware

In the fourth week of March 2010, gamers, who tried to unlawfully download "Cross Days", the Japanese erotic game, received an arrogant surprise during installation. As it turns out, a certain plagiarized version of "Cross Days" is not a replica of the game; it is rather a vicious malware.

According to the reports, when the fraudulent installer of the game is executed, first of all, it collects data from the user's system. Then it delivers a survey which asks the gamer for more details such as personal data like the e-mail address and password. The installer also collects the IP address of the victim's computer.

According to experts, the intention of the survey is not yet clear; as to whether it needs to be filled by the gamer to prompt the Trojan, or the aim is to simply gather whatever information it can.

After the installation process is completed, the entire information along with screenshot of victim's system is transferred to a website so that the online users could see it. Examples of information that the Trojan uploads can be there on the website, and even though the content is in Japanese language, English text and enough pictures are there to amuse scores of readers, and thoroughly humiliate the ill-fated victim.

Moreover, providing some legal defense for the culprits and also adding insult to injury, it appears that the forged installer in fact explained in its terms of service what exactly was the its intentions. Certainly, no one ever reads the terms of service, which clearly state that in case a user goes on to install, such things can and will take place.

Researchers said that though it is feasible to take down the personal details of would be pirate from the web site, the user, first and foremost, has to effectively express regret for illegally attempting to download the game.

Meanwhile, security experts also disclosed that this is not the first time that the malware authors have targeted Japanese file-sharers. Earlier, a peculiar computer virus was brought forth in 2007. This virus warned to kill people for illegally using peer to peer network for download purposes.

Related article: Pirated Software Can Have Harmful Consequences on Company Networks

» SPAMfighter News - 4/3/2010