In late May 2014, multiple security reports and community alerts identified this specific file set as a "viral vector" for malicious software. Users who downloaded and installed this version reported the following:
: The malware was designed to remain on the system even after the game was uninstalled, often hiding in system directories or as scheduled tasks.
: It was frequently bundled with early "cracks" released by groups before the official game launch. Academic and Security Papers
If you are looking for a formal "paper" or research regarding this specific incident, the most relevant academic work is:
: RAR files themselves are containers, but the executable inside is highly likely to be malicious.
(Alternative title/version). This work details how over 25% of users downloading early pirated versions of Watch Dogs likely infected their machines with the miner. Security Recommendation If you currently have this file on your system:
The file is a known archive used to distribute a pirated version of the game Watch Dogs (specifically the Digital Deluxe Edition), which famously contained a hidden Bitcoin miner and other malware. Malware Overview
by Andrew Moshirnia (2019). This paper uses the Watch Dogs Bitcoin miner incident as a primary case study (Part II) to discuss how pirated software bypasses standard malware defenses.
In late May 2014, multiple security reports and community alerts identified this specific file set as a "viral vector" for malicious software. Users who downloaded and installed this version reported the following:
: The malware was designed to remain on the system even after the game was uninstalled, often hiding in system directories or as scheduled tasks.
: It was frequently bundled with early "cracks" released by groups before the official game launch. Academic and Security Papers WatchDogsDDE.part1.rar
If you are looking for a formal "paper" or research regarding this specific incident, the most relevant academic work is:
: RAR files themselves are containers, but the executable inside is highly likely to be malicious. In late May 2014, multiple security reports and
(Alternative title/version). This work details how over 25% of users downloading early pirated versions of Watch Dogs likely infected their machines with the miner. Security Recommendation If you currently have this file on your system:
The file is a known archive used to distribute a pirated version of the game Watch Dogs (specifically the Digital Deluxe Edition), which famously contained a hidden Bitcoin miner and other malware. Malware Overview Academic and Security Papers If you are looking
by Andrew Moshirnia (2019). This paper uses the Watch Dogs Bitcoin miner incident as a primary case study (Part II) to discuss how pirated software bypasses standard malware defenses.