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Activision took down Call of Duty game after PC players hacked, says source
Activision took down 'Call of Duty: WWII' for PC after hackers exploited a flaw, leading to player hacks. The game was removed from Microsoft Store and Game Pass while a patch is developed. This incident is part of ongoing hacking problems faced by Activision, raising wider security concerns in the gaming industry.
Key points
- Activision removed 'Call of Duty: WWII' from Microsoft Store and Game Pass due to security hacks.
- Players reported being hacked while playing, with confirmation of a remote code execution (RCE) exploit.
- The issue was specific to the Microsoft Store/Game Pass version, which had outdated code.
- Previous hacking issues included anti-cheat system flaws and malware campaigns targeting players.
- The ongoing hacks indicate vulnerabilities in gaming security, as Activision's cybersecurity team has suffered layoffs.
Why it matters
- The incident mirrors increasing cybersecurity threats in the gaming industry.
- In 2023, hackers exploited unpatched vulnerabilities in 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare', indicating a trend of delayed security updates.
- The rise of self-spreading malware in games reflects a broader trend in IT security, emphasizing the need for robust cyber defenses.
- Gaming companies are reevaluating their cybersecurity frameworks amidst rising hacking incidents.
Activision's decision to remove the game highlights urgent cybersecurity challenges in the gaming industry, echoing a broader trend of escalating threats and the need for improved protective measures amid ongoing vulnerabilities.