I Investigated Malware Disguised as Games

Introduction

This tutorial investigates malware disguised as games, focusing on how to analyze suspicious software safely. It emphasizes the importance of conducting such tests in a controlled environment, such as a virtual machine, to avoid damaging your primary system. This guide will help you understand the signs of malware in games and how to run safe tests.

Step 1: Set Up a Virtual Machine

To analyze potentially harmful software safely, set up a virtual machine (VM).

• Choose a Virtualization Software: Select a platform like VirtualBox or VMware.
• Install the Software: Follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system.

Create a New Virtual Machine

• Allocate enough resources (RAM, CPU) based on the games you plan to test.
• Install a guest operating system (Windows/Linux) that you intend to run the games on.

Step 2: Download and Install Suspicious Games

Once your virtual machine is ready, download the games you want to investigate.

• Select Games: Look for games that are reported to contain malware or those that seem suspicious.
• Download Safely: Use a secure connection and avoid downloading from untrusted sources.
• Install the Games: Follow the installation prompts within the VM, keeping an eye on any unusual requests or permissions.

Step 3: Monitor System Activity

After installing the games, monitor the system's behavior to identify any malicious activity.

Use Monitoring Tools: Install software like Process Explorer or Wireshark to track

• CPU and memory usage.
• Network activity.
• Launch the Game: Start the game and observe the behavior of the system.
  • Check for unexpected processes or high resource usage.

Step 4: Analyze Network Traffic

Understanding the network activity can reveal if the game is sending or receiving data suspiciously.

• Open Wireshark: Start capturing traffic before launching the game.

Look for Anomalies: Focus on

• Unusual outgoing connections.
• Large data transfers to unknown IP addresses.
• Save Logs for Review: After your session, save the capture files for detailed analysis.

Step 5: Identify Potential Malware

Use the collected data to identify signs of malware.

• Check for Known Malware Signatures: Use antivirus or malware detection software on the VM to scan the game files.

Analyze Process Behavior: Look for processes that behave differently than expected, such as

• Connecting to suspicious domains.
• Modifying system files or settings without permission.

Conclusion

Analyzing games for malware requires careful setup and monitoring. By using a virtual machine, you can safely test potentially harmful software without risking your main system. Remember to always download from trusted sources and keep your security software updated. If you're uncertain, consult with cybersecurity professionals or communities for additional guidance.

Next steps could include joining online forums or Discord servers dedicated to cybersecurity to stay informed about the latest threats and protective measures.