Malware disguised as playable copies of Grand Theft Auto 6 are appearing on piracy websites, according to cybersecurity experts. These malicious downloads pose a significant risk to users' computers, and are not legitimate builds of the highly anticipated game.
Recent weeks have seen an increase in alleged gameplay footage and misinformation surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6. This has created an environment ripe for exploitation, where attackers can distribute malware disguised as game files. Experts from NordVPN noted that such fake downloads have circulated throughout the year but have surged in frequency following the recent leaks.
"Every time GTA 6 makes headlines, leaked footage spreads through re-uploads, Discord links, and unofficial mirrors, which is exactly the environment where fake 'leak' downloads and credential-harvesting pages thrive," said Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN. "Fans looking for leaks or removed clips might land on unfamiliar sites, and in that moment they trust what they find. That's the window attackers exploit."
While the idea of a playable Grand Theft Auto 6 build leaking may seem far-fetched, there is precedent. In late 2023, Insomniac Games experienced a hack that resulted in a playable version of Marvel's Wolverine being leaked online. While there is no indication that a functional build of Grand Theft Auto 6 has similarly surfaced, the situation remains disruptive to Rockstar Games.
The origin of the recent leaked footage is still under investigation. One video featured what appeared to be the hacker's name spelled out in-game, suggesting the leaker may possess a working build. Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive have not yet officially commented on the leaks.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to officially reveal its gameplay on August 27th during an event hosted on Netflix, with a subsequent YouTube presentation later the same day. The game is slated for release on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 on November 19th.