Fake leaked copies of Rockstar Games’ upcoming open-world action-adventure game, GTA VI, containing malware are reportedly being distributed on pirate websites.
Several fake GTA VI copies (via ResetEra member RedbullCola) being distributed online are reportedly packed with malware instead of a leaked development build of the highly anticipated open-world action-adventure game. The malicious files are said to include infostealers capable of targeting Steam session tokens, Discord credentials and other sensitive information, as well as remote-access Trojans that can give attackers control over infected computers.
One torrent reportedly has more than 10,000 seeders, potentially giving the malicious file considerable visibility among users searching for early access to an illegal copy of GTA VI. The malware is also reportedly being promoted through Telegram, with individuals claiming an association with the hacker group known as CYBERLEEK. However, such claims don’t confirm that the group is actually behind the distribution of the aforementioned malware-containing files.
With GTA VI remaining one of the most anticipated games in the industry, interest in alleged leaks is likely to attract users eager to get the game before its official release. Downloading and running such files could therefore expose users to credential theft, remote system access and other serious cybersecurity risks.
According to a rumor, the recent GTA VI leak began when a Rockstar Games India employee was hacked, with the game’s development build possibly being stolen from them. It is claimed that Russian hackers were behind the attack and that someone in India later sold the build to CYBERLEEK for around 50 million US Dollar, which appears to be how CYBERLEEK has extensive access to the upcoming open-world action-adventure title.
In order to prove that they have access to a playable build of GTA VI, CYBERLEEK shared video footage of Jason Duval, one of the game’s two protagonists, shooting into a wall to have the bullet holes spell out the word “LEEK.” There’s also gameplay showing the player flying a plane across the Leonida world map.
