The security firm SlowMist has unmasked a hidden danger within the Apocalypse Metaverse game. This discovery has sent ripples through the Web3 space, cautioning users about the perils lurking behind gaming experiences.
According to familiar sources, the findings of SlowMist are a stark reminder of the ever-present cyber threats in the digital realm. Their investigation revealed that the Apocalypse Metaverse game, once a beacon of blockchain gaming, harbors a Trojan designed to target and compromise Mac computers.
⚠️ SlowMist Security Alert
The @joinapocalypse game is a Trojan! It’s the same old scam but with a new face.Don't be tricked—no matter how slick the design is, feeling tempted could mean your wallet takes a hit. https://t.co/xhh7pwI89h pic.twitter.com/eMYjSEbxbG
— SlowMist (@SlowMist_Team) November 7, 2023
The security scan, carried out using the comprehensive services of VirusTotal, flagged the game’s file as malevolent. The Trojan, identified as “trojan.stealer/amos” by a consortium of cybersecurity giants including DrWeb and Kaspersky, is capable of a nefarious breach, stealing sensitive information from macOS systems.
The underlying threat
While the game’s interface may appear sleek and engaging, SlowMist’s probe has shown that even the most polished designs can conceal deceptive intentions. The game file’s potential to inflict financial damage by siphoning from users’ wallets is a sobering reminder that not all that glitters in the metaverse is gold.
The security experts at SlowMist have not only laid bare the risks but also pointed out the cunning tactics employed by the game developers. A seemingly harmless tutorial on the game’s installation was part of the ruse to assure the functionality of the game. Yet, the presence of two ENS addresses, which should serve as straightforward domain names for Ethereum wallet addresses, instead raised red flags for the vigilant team at SlowMist.
The veil lifted
The account associated with the Apocalypse game, known as “Apocalypse Cool,” had managed to amass a following of nearly 11,000 by the time the Trojan was exposed. Created in early 2014, the account’s credibility has now been cast into doubt, with its development updates coming to a standstill since the previous fall.
The game’s launch had already been shrouded in uncertainty, with a delay announced last June due to technical hurdles with server installations on Amazon systems. Yet, the current state of the game remains a mystery, leaving many to wonder about the true intentions behind its creation.
An ongoing battle against phishing
SlowMist’s focus on cybersecurity extends beyond the single case of the Apocalypse game. The firm has been actively combating phishing attempts, including those targeting their own reputation. Scammers have been discovered impersonating SlowMist, peddling fraudulent tokens under their name. The firm has been forthright in their communications, clarifying that they have not and do not plan to venture into token creation.
The incident with the Apocalypse Metaverse game serves as a stark reminder of the potential threats in the digital age, especially in the burgeoning field of blockchain and metaverse gaming. As the lines between reality and virtual worlds continue to blur, it becomes increasingly important for users to stay vigilant and for security firms like SlowMist to remain on guard.
Per experts, the cybersecurity landscape is continuously evolving, and with it, the need for constant vigilance and innovative protective measures. The gaming community, while seeking to embrace the new horizons of entertainment, must also be aware of the risks and the importance of cybersecurity in preserving their digital well-being.
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