North Korea Possibly Using Free-to-Play Games to Spread Malware

South Korea national police issued a warning Tuesday of North Korea using free-to-play games as a means to spread malware to large computer networks.

The game used to spread the malware collects location data and IP addresses, which then reach servers in other locations. Using the information, the infected computers allow malware distributors to take control of the hardware remotely.

The Washington Post explains that North Korea tried a similar cyber attack last year. The North Korean free-to-play game infected up to 100,000 computers before South Korean police took notice. Using the infected computers, South Korean police discovered a possible attack on the Incheon International Airport.

As normal procedure involves, South Korean police encourage people who suspect that their computers could be infected with malware, should reformat their hard drives.