Security researchers uncover evidence that the Windows-based ‚RenEngine loader‘ malware has infected around 30,000 users in the US alone.
A new strain of Windows-based malware has been circulating through pirated PC games and may have infected over 400,000 devices.
Researchers at cybersecurity vendor Cyderes are warning about the threat, which has been hiding inside cracked games and modified game installers for franchises including Far Cry, Need for Speed, FIFA, and Assassin’s Creed.
The malware has been dubbed “RenEngine loader” because some of the malicious code has been embedded inside a legitimate Ren’Py launcher, an engine used to run visual novel games. “While these cracked games appear functional, they silently deliver embedded malware alongside the playable content,” the researchers wrote.
The malware has been around since at least last April and remains active.
