Sophos researchers, a computer security specialist, have discovered a strange new malware that has already infected a huge number of devices. Her work confuses specialists. Traditionally, a virus pursues a malicious goal: to retrieve information, hack accounts, refund, … But the virus discovered by Sophos specialists has no other task than to make the life of hackers more difficult, because it blocks access to all illegal download sites, including
piratesbay.
The virus spreads on illegal download platforms. It is installed in files downloaded by Internet users. Notably, pirated versions of games like Between us or Maine Craft, but also pirated versions of Microsoft Office. According to the researchers, corrupted links are also widely shared on the Discord platform.
Curious pirates
Once installed, the program blocks access to the list of hacking sites. Very few signs allow to identify it. According to the researchers who discovered it, an error message may appear when running a certain program urging the user to reinstall it. The virus will obviously not cause any further harm.
The origin of the virus is unknown. As for the motive of the pirates. “It is often easy to guess what drives malware creators, but not with this virus,” says Andrew Brandt, one of the researchers who discovered the virus.
If the approach refers to an anti-piracy operation, no government organization will use a hacking tool to denounce piracy. Researchers tend to be a “bad joke” or awareness campaign led by “ethical” hackers.
