Gaming Giants Hit by Crypto Scam Wave
On October 15, a wave of cyberattacks targeted major gaming organizations, with hackers taking over their YouTube channels to promote fake cryptocurrency schemes. This was not an isolated incident but a coordinated effort affecting multiple big names in the gaming world.
Dota 2 and PGL Channels Compromised
The official Dota 2 channel, operated by Valve, was among the first to be hit. Fans attempting to access the channel were met with a fake livestream titled "Dota 2 Launch Official Meme Coin | Hurry Up." The stream mimicked the look of a legitimate Dota 2 broadcast, complete with professional branding, to deceive viewers into investing in a non-existent cryptocurrency.
Simultaneously, PGL, the organization behind major Dota 2 tournaments, also fell victim. Their channel was hijacked to broadcast a fake video featuring business figure Michael Saylor discussing cryptocurrency. This type of scam is becoming increasingly common on YouTube, where hackers take over accounts to stream fake interviews or investment discussions to trick viewers.
Wave of Attacks Across Esports
The attack extended beyond Dota 2, targeting other major esports organizations, including:
- ESL
- BLAST Counter-Strike
- Esports World Cup
- Mobile Legends MPL Indonesia
News of the attacks quickly spread on Reddit's r/DotA2 community, where users shared screenshots and warned others to avoid the fake streams and suspicious links.
Swift Recovery and Ongoing Threats
Both the Dota 2 and PGL channels were restored to normal within hours, thanks to YouTube's security systems and community reports. However, the incident highlights the vulnerability of even large, verified accounts to cyber threats.
Cybersecurity experts suggest that the hackers likely used stolen session tokens to bypass traditional login methods. This technique is becoming more prevalent, particularly for high-traffic YouTube channels belonging to public figures, gaming organizations, and tech influencers.
Staying Safe Online
While the channels were quickly restored, the incident serves as a reminder for everyone to stay vigilant. Viewers should:
- Double-check links before clicking
- Verify sources before engaging with crypto promotions
- Report any suspicious activity they encounter