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ScarCruft Hacks Gaming Platform to Deploy BirdCall Malware on Android and Windows
BetaBeacon
May 5, 2026

ScarCruft Hacks Gaming Platform to Deploy BirdCall Malware on Android and Windows

ScarCruft compromised a video game platform in a supply chain attack, trojanizing its components with a backdoor called BirdCall to target ethnic Koreans residing in China. The attack enabled the threat actors to target both Windows and Android devices, turning it into a multi-platform threat. The campaign targeted sqgame[.]net, a gaming platform used by ethnic Koreans in China, known as a transit point for North Korean defectors. BirdCall has features like screenshot capture, keystroke logging, and data gathering, and relies on legitimate cloud services for command-and-control. The Android variant collects various data and has seen active development.
Half of all PC gamers now have GPUs with more than 8GB of VRAM
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

Half of all PC gamers now have GPUs with more than 8GB of VRAM

Approximately 49.95% of PC gamers are using graphics cards with more than 8GB of VRAM, with 23.51% using 16GB, 13.45% using 12GB, and 26.76% using 8GB. Additionally, 6.19% of gamers have GPUs with 24GB or more VRAM. The demand for higher VRAM is driven by the need for better image fidelity in gaming, particularly with high-quality textures and effects like ray tracing. The growth of GPUs with 16GB of VRAM is notable, led by models such as the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB. Despite this trend, the current memory crisis may keep 8GB cards relevant for another generation.
ScarCruft hackers push BirdCall Android malware via game platform
BetaBeacon
May 5, 2026

ScarCruft hackers push BirdCall Android malware via game platform

APT37, also known as ScarCruft and Ricochet Chollima, has developed an Android version of the backdoor BirdCall, which serves as spyware in addition to a backdoor. The malware was delivered through a Chinese website that hosts games for Android, iOS, and Windows, targeting only Android and Windows systems. The Android variant of BirdCall has capabilities such as extracting IP geolocation information, collecting contact lists, call logs, SMS data, device information, taking screenshots, recording audio, and exfiltrating files. Users are advised to download software only from official marketplaces and trusted publisher sites to protect against malware infections.
North Koreans Spy on Defectors Via Android Game Apps
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

North Koreans Spy on Defectors Via Android Game Apps

A North Korean hacking group has targeted a digital gaming platform popular among the Korean ethnic enclave in China, using a sophisticated strategy to infiltrate Android applications. Researchers from Eset discovered that an app on the platform contained a backdoor known as BirdCall, linked to North Korea. The official website for the gaming platform hosted the same suspicious APK file. A second Android file associated with another game on the same site was also found to contain the BirdCall backdoor. This supply-chain attack was attributed to the threat actor ScarCruft (APT37), active in Asia and extending into Europe and the Middle East since late 2024. The hackers likely compromised the web server to recompile original APKs with the backdoor, which can collect sensitive information such as contacts, SMS messages, call logs, documents, media files, and private keys, and can take screenshots and record audio. The malware disguises its command and control traffic among regular internet traffic, primarily using Zoho WorkDrive for operations.
Turn up Your Airwaves with the Horizon Festival’s Biggest Line-Up Yet
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

Turn up Your Airwaves with the Horizon Festival’s Biggest Line-Up Yet

Forza Horizon 6 will feature a variety of accessibility options, including controller remapping, screen reading narration, subtitles, adjustable camera field-of-view settings, color-blind filters, and Offline Game Speed modification for PC players. It will also maintain difficulty settings and driving assists. A post-launch update will introduce American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) options for cinematics, allowing players to view an interpreter during scenes. Pre-orders are available on the Microsoft Store and Steam, with early purchasers receiving a pre-tuned Ferrari J50. Players can join the Forza Discord server for discussions and follow @ForzaHorizon on social media for updates.
Subnautica 2 Coming to Xbox Game Preview on May 14
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

Subnautica 2 Coming to Xbox Game Preview on May 14

Subnautica 2 will debut in Game Preview on May 14 for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, ROG Xbox Ally, and through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Players will assume the role of a crew member aboard Alterra’s CICADA ship, tasked with creating a home for themselves and 40,000 passengers. The game will feature multiplayer capabilities, allowing exploration solo or with up to three friends. The developers have optimized the game for Xbox, focusing on performance and controller experience. The ROG Xbox Ally's performance was considered during development, with a default graphics preset and customization options. The game is a result of years of development, with ongoing updates planned for new biomes, creatures, and craftables. Players can add Subnautica 2 to their Xbox Store wishlist and join the Official Discord for updates.
Defender yanks root certs as Windows updates blocks backups
Winsage
May 5, 2026

Defender yanks root certs as Windows updates blocks backups

Microsoft's Defender anti-malware tool update version 1.449.425.0 removed two DigiCert root digital certificates, leading to false positives that flagged them as severe malware (Trojan:Win32/Cerdigent.A!dha). This incident was later identified as a false positive, and updating to version 1.449.430.0 or later reinstates the certificates. The issue may be linked to a DigiCert employee encountering disguised malware. Additionally, Windows updates from April 14 caused third-party backup applications to malfunction due to the addition of vulnerable psmounterex.sys kernel driver versions to a blocklist. Users experienced difficulties with mounting backup image files, and Microsoft referenced a vulnerability rated 9.3 out of 10 in the driver. Other affected software includes Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud and UrBackup server. Microsoft has not explained the delay in adding the vulnerable driver to the blocklist, and other recent update-related issues have also been reported.
Classic First-Person Shooter PC Game Now 100% Free on GOG
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

Classic First-Person Shooter PC Game Now 100% Free on GOG

A classic first-person shooter from 1995, Citadel Remonstered, is now available for free download on the GOG platform, celebrating its 31st anniversary. This remastered version retains original assets and maps while incorporating modern gameplay mechanics and graphic enhancements. It features updated level graphics, rebalanced difficulty settings, additional training levels, quicksave and quickload functionality, mouse wheel support, and full-screen mode compatibility. The game was originally developed by Virtual Design and published by Arrakis Software for the Amiga 500. The remaster is exclusive to GOG and has received positive feedback from the gaming community. Speculation exists about the future of the Citadel franchise and the ownership of its license.
PlayStation 5 Linux Tested: Steam PC vs Native PS5 Games
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

PlayStation 5 Linux Tested: Steam PC vs Native PS5 Games

Linux has been successfully implemented on the PlayStation 5, allowing users to run an open operating system on the console. This implementation, led by security researcher Andy Nguyen (TheFlow), utilizes an exploit for PS5 consoles with system software versions up to 4.5. Users can boot Linux from a USB or SSD, with Ubuntu 26.04 LTS providing around 15GB of usable memory. The PS5's hardware, including its Zen 2 processor and GPU, is fully accessible, with CPU speeds reaching up to 3.5GHz and GPU speeds up to 2.23GHz when boost mode is activated. However, running Linux on the PS5 presents challenges, such as sourcing a unit with the required firmware and limitations in resolution, as users cannot exceed 1080p. Performance tests showed that Linux can match the PS5's performance in some titles, but issues with memory management were noted, leading to stuttering and crashes in certain games. For example, reducing texture quality improved performance in games like Pragmata, while rendering issues were observed in Crimson Desert. The implementation allows for a unique gaming experience, but it also highlights the complexities and limitations of running Linux on a gaming console.
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