Steam removes BlockBlasters for stealing cryptocurrency

Valve has the game BlockBlasters removed from the Steam platform after it turned out that the game stole cryptocurrency from players. The free game, launched on July 30, since an update on August 30, contained a so-called cryptodrainer malware that robs digital wallets.

The theft came to light during a live stream of Latvian gamer Raivo Plavnieks (a.k.a. RastalandTV), who collected money for his cancer treatment. After downloading the verified game, he lost over $32,000 in cryptocurrency.

According to security researchers, the malware was highly sophisticated. She first checked whether only Windows Defender was active, and adapted her attack technique to bypass antivirus software. Experts suspect that this is a form of “stealer-as-a-serviceâ€

The damage is considerable: One investigator estimates that the malware has already taken over $150,000 from 261 accounts. Security site Vx-underground even published a list of 478 affected users.

Steam has now removed the game and is investigating it further.