



It is not the first time cyber criminals have attempted to take advantage of Fortnite's record-breaking popularity. Since launching in 2017, Fortnite has grown into the world's most popular online video game, with an estimated 250 million players around the world. "If you don't do these actions before the timer expires your files will start to be deleted. "After paying, you will be sent a password that will be used to decrypt your files," the message states. The hacker requests payment through a semi-anonymous cryptocurrency like bitcoin in order for files to be released and the ransomware to be removed. Files within Pictures, Desktop and Documents folders are automatically encrypted and a timed deletion is activated.Ī message on the victim's screen states: "Your personal files are being encrypted by Syrk malware. Once downloaded, the malware disables any anti-virus security and infects various locations of the device. It also claims to offer 'ESP', meaning the location of other players is easily visible.Ĭyber security firm Cyren found that the free cheat is in fact ransomware in disguise, meaning anyone who downloads it will put all of the files on their PC or other device at risk of being encrypted or even deleted. The aimbot hack promises players of the popular video game a way to shoot competitors without having to take careful aim. A new Fortnite cheat that improves the aiming accuracy of players is actually a dangerous type of malware, security researchers have discovered.
