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<ul><li>Kaspersky researchers have warned about a new <keyword id="54201" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="malware" source="Orion">malware</keyword> that is targeting gamers.</li><li>The <keyword id="12192194" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="bloodystealer" source="Orion">BloodyStealer</keyword> malware targets session data, passwords, bank card details, browser autofill data and more.</li><li>The malware also targeted account details of users on Epic Games, Steam, GOG, Origin and Bethesda.</li></ul>Cyberattacks have been increasing over the years due to an increase in online users. Now, a new <a href="https://securelist.com/bloodystealer-and-gaming-assets-for-sale/104319/">report</a> by researchers from popular cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has revealed that cybercriminals have started targeting gamers and their accounts with a new malware dubbed as BloodyStealer. The BloodyStealer malware is capable of fetching session data and passwords and cookie exfiltration. The stealer is capable of targeting bank card details, browser autofill data, screenshots from the computer, desktop and uTorrent client files and more. As per the report, the malware also targeted the session details of clients such as Epic Games, Steam, Origin, GOG, Bethesda, Telegram and VimeWorld. Some of the popular titles available on these stores include GTA V, Fortnite, Battlefield, FIFA 2022 among others. As per the researcher, the malware was first spotted in March 2021 after an advertisement for a malware named as BloodyStealer was noticed on a Russian underground forum. The author asked potential customers to contact him using Telegram. “What caught our attention is BloodyStealer’s capability to fetch information related to computer games installed on an infected system. BloodyStealer targets major online gaming platforms, such as Steam, Epic Games Store, EA Origin, etc.” said Dmitry Galov, researcher, Kaspersky. The BloodyStealer malware was priced at 700 RUB (approx. $10) for one month and a lifetime purchase was priced at 3000 RUB (approx. $40). The data scraped by the malware is sent to a command and control (C&amp;C) server which can then be accessed using Telegram or a dark web panel. “Both C&amp;C servers are placed behind Cloudflare, which hides their original IPs and provides a layer of protection against DDoS and web attacks,” added Galov. The researcher added a few tips for users to protect their gaming accounts from such malware. <ul><li>Enable two-factor authentication for all your accounts.</li><li>Purchase games from official sites only and avoid unknown third-party websites.</li><li>Avoid clicking links received in emails from unknown senders as it could be a phishing attempt.</li><li>Do not click on links directing you to external sites from game chat. This also includes messages from unknown gamers.</li><li>Be careful while entering your username and password on third-party websites.</li></ul>SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/vultur-android-banking-malware-can-screen-record-everything-on-your-phone/articleshow/85002118.cms">This new Android banking malware can screen record everything on your phone</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/a-covid-19-sms-malware-is-targeting-users-in-india-as-they-look-for-alternatives-to-cowin-for-vaccine-registration/articleshow/82388898.cms">A COVID-19 SMS malware is targeting users in India as they look for alternatives to CoWIN for vaccine registration</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/malware-infiltrates-the-defenses-of-common-antivirus-softwares-like-mcafee-kaspersky-symantec-and-others/articleshow/78515377.cms">Malware infiltrates the defenses of common antivirus softwares like McAfee, Kaspersky, Symantec and others</a>

Thousands of gamers targeted in a new cyberattack – Epic Games, Steam, Origin, Telegram and other login sessions at risk

<ul><li><keyword id="858537" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="minecraft" source="Orion">Minecraft</keyword>, FIFA, <keyword id="1841835" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="far-cry" source="Orion">Far Cry</keyword> and Call of Duty top of the list of game titles hackers use to distribute <keyword id="54201" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="malware" source="Orion">malware</keyword>.</li><li>Malware is used to gather login credentials, credit card details and more.</li><li>Below, check out simple steps that can be used to stay safe.</li></ul>The video game industry has become one of the biggest beneficiaries of the pandemic as millions of people picked up the habit of playing video games to escape the isolation and boredom of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Since then, the gaming industry has been expanding rapidly, and the number of video game-related cyberthreats and attacks has significantly risen in recent months, research has revealed. A new report from <a href="https://securelist.com/gaming-related-cyberthreats-2021-2022/107346/">Kaspersky</a> suggests that popular games like Minecraft are used as bait by cybercriminals, from phishing scams to malware downloads. Based on stats collected by the security firm between July 2021 and July 2022, Minecraft- related files accounted for roughly 25% of malicious files, followed by FIFA (11%), Roblox (9.5%), Far Cry (9.4%) and Call of Duty (9%). Other game titles were also spotted with a notable percentage of abuse, <keyword id="293685" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="grand-theft-auto" source="Orion">Grand Theft Auto</keyword>, Need for Speed, and The Sims. Minecraft also topped the list of mobile malware threats, as the game was used as a lure for 40% of detected incidents, followed by FIFA (5%), Roblox (10%), PUBG (10%) and GTA (15%). However, as per the <keyword id="412137" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="kaspersky" source="Orion">Kaspersky</keyword> report, the total number of malicious and unwanted files related to Minecraft decreased by 36% compared to the previous year (131,005 against 184,887). <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Trojan-PSW — Game over" comment="subhead" text="Trojan-PSW — Game over">Trojan-PSW — Game over</cmsannotation> When downloading the games from untrustworthy sources, unwanted malicious files and software get downloaded automatically that can gather sensitive information like data login information or passwords. Further, in an attempt to download games for free and find mods or cheats, gamers tend to lose money or their account. The Kaspersky report reveals hackers use Trojan-PSW (Password Stealing Ware) malware which gathers user credentials, Trojan-Banker, which steals payment data; and Trojan-Game Thief, which collects login information from gaming accounts. From July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, the Kaspersky security solution detected that 6,491 users were affected by 3,705 unique malicious files. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Here’s how you can stay safe" comment="subhead" text="Here’s how you can stay safe">Here’s how you can stay safe</cmsannotation> With the boom in the gaming industry, we expect to see new ways of abusing, which is why it is important to stay protected. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while gaming. <ul><li>Protect your account with two-factor authentication and use unique passwords.</li><li>Always download your game from official stores like Steam, PlayStation Store, and Origin.</li><li>Beware of phishing campaigns and avoid opening links received by email or in-game chat.</li><li>Double check the website address asking for your username and password, as it might be fake.</li><li>Keep your operating system and other software up to date. </li></ul>SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/how-will-the-search-message-by-date-work-on-whatsapp/articleshow/94145465.cms">WhatsApp may soon allow users to search messages by date — here’s how it will work</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/iphone-14s-emergency-sos-via-satellite-feature-might-not-work-in-india/articleshow/94068834.cms">iPhone 14 will let you send emergency SOS via satellite but it won’t work in India</a>

Hackers found a new way to sneak malware into your computer using Minecraft updates — here’s how you can stay safe

<ul><li><keyword id="15419859" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="igi-origins" source="Orion">IGI Origins</keyword> receives its first-ever gameplay trailer after three years.</li><li>IGI Origins is the prequel to the iconic game <keyword id="15419860" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="project-igi" source="Orion">Project IGI</keyword> which was launched in 2000.</li><li>The game is developed on <keyword id="1611953" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="unreal-engine" source="Orion">Unreal Engine</keyword>.</li></ul>Three years after its official announcement, IGI Origins has finally released its first-ever trailer revealing some action-packed and stealth moments. The game’s developer, the studio <keyword id="15419861" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="antimatter-games" source="Orion">Antimatter Games</keyword>, has released the first trailer of IGI Origins, which is being developed on Unreal Engine. The gameplay trailer has been taken from the pre-alpha version, meaning everything you see is subject to change, including the visual representation of the game. It is expected that the graphics will surely improve until the launch. <div type="Youtube" id="4SHaDwa1J0k" title="I.G.I. Origins | Official Gameplay Reveal Trailer" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4SHaDwa1J0k/mqdefault.jpg"><url><![CDATA[https://youtu.be/4SHaDwa1J0k]]></url></div> There has yet to be a release date, but there is a page on <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1186430/IGI_Origins/">Steam</a> where the IGI Origins can be added to favorites. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="I.G.I. Origins - what’s new" comment="subhead" text="I.G.I. Origins - what’s new"><keyword id="15419863" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="i-g-i-origins" source="Orion">I.G.I. Origins</keyword> - what’s new</cmsannotation> Like the iconic Project IGI, which was released in 2000, the IGI Origins will be a tactical shooter game along with realistic weapons and stealth; that you can see in the trailer. Like the original game, you start the mission from the target facilities’ outskirts, allowing you to use your binoculars to spot the enemies at the entry points. The trailer reveals your primary objective is to infiltrate the enemy building stealthily and sabotage their military programs. In between, the gameplay trailer also pays tribute to some nostalgic features like switching to a third-person view when climbing ladders or while doing melee takedowns. IGI Origins developers Antimatter Games have ensured players that the game’s development is going at a good pace. They will be sharing more information on the game when it is closer to the launch. The <keyword id="15419862" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="i-g-i-toadman-interactive" source="Orion">I.G.I. Toadman Interactive</keyword> first revealed origins, but the development team has changed, and Antimatter Games took the helm for developing IGI Origins. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/hackers-found-a-new-way-to-sneak-malware-into-your-computer-using-minecraft-updates/articleshow/94147550.cms">Hackers found a new way to sneak malware into your computer using Minecraft updates — here’s how you can stay safe</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/call-of-duty-warzone-mobile-announced-heres-how-to-pre-register-on-android/articleshow/94297494.cms">Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile announced — here’s how to pre-register on Android</a>

IGI Origins trailer out — a prequel of popular first-person shooter Project IGI set to make a comeback

Screenshot/Business InsiderOn Tuesday, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-windows-10-s-terry-myerson-2017-5">Microsoft unveiled Windows 10 S</a>, a streamlined version of the operating system designed to take on Google's low-cost Chromebooks in the classroom. It's going to ship on a bunch of laptops intended for the student. So what's the difference between the original-flavor Windows 10 and this new Windows 10 S? The basic answer is: Not much. The actual experience looks to be very much the same between the two, from the Start menu, to the Cortana virtual assistant, to the focus on touchscreen and stylus features. When Windows 10-powered virtual reality headsets start hitting the market later this year, they'll support both versions, too.Here are the major differences between the two, in bullet-point form:<ul><li>Windows 10 S is focused on speed, better battery life, and higher performance - Microsoft says that it boots up in seconds. </li><li>Windows 10 S is designed to run well even on lower-end laptops: Microsoft recommends a relatively modest 4GB of RAM and 64GB of hard drive space for classroom machines. </li><li>Laptops running Windows 10 S will start at around $229, from companies like HP, Samsung, and Acer.</li><li>The tradeoff is that Windows 10 S can only run apps from the Windows Store. The positives are that it makes it basically impossible to download malware or viruses, but it also means you're limited to Microsoft-approved apps. That includes Spotify, Facebook, Netflix, and soon, Microsoft Office.</li><li>Along those same lines, you're limited to the Microsoft Edge browser on Windows 10 S, at least until other companies like Google choose to list their browsers in the Windows Store.</li><li>If you decide you need your standard Windows apps, which might include Google Chrome or the Steam online gaming platform, you can <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/upgrading-from-windows-10-s-to-windows-10-pro-is-a-one-way-switch-microsoft-education-event/">upgrade to the full Windows 10 Pro for $49</a>. Microsoft Windows exec Joe Belfiore tells CNET that "S" to "Pro" is a one-way switch, so be advised.</li></ul>Otherwise...yeah. Pretty much the same, apart from a different default desktop wallpaper.The flagship Windows 10 S machine is the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-2017-4">Surface Laptop</a>, a new $999 gadget from Microsoft itself, shipping on June 15th. That's going to be our first real taste of Windows 10 S, so stay tuned.Get the latest Microsoft stock price<a href="http://markets.businessinsider.com/stock/MSFT-Quote"> here.</a> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/marines-corps-machine-gun-wielding-robot-controlled-by-tablet-2017-4">The Marine Corps is testing a machine gun-wielding robot controlled with just a tablet and a joystick</a></h3> Please enable Javascript to watch this video

What you need to know about Microsoft's new, sleek Windows

Melia Robinson/Business InsiderMicrosoft Surface Laptop is the flagship device for Windows 10 S.This week, Microsoft will officially unleash the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-first-impressions-details-specs-release-date-2017-6">Surface Laptop</a>, a $999 Apple MacBook rival with solid specs and eye-catching aesthetics. There's more to this story than just the hardware, however.The Surface Laptop serves as the showcase device for <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-windows-10-s-terry-myerson-2017-5">Windows 10 S</a>, a new version of Microsoft's flagship operating system. This new Windows 10 S is designed to offer better battery life, security, and performance on even the cheapest laptops...with one big tradeoff. With Windows 10 S, you can only, and I emphasize only, download software from the Windows Store, Microsoft's app market. That means that you won't be able to download and install popular software like Google Chrome or Adobe Photoshop, among other things. After a little over a week with the Surface Laptop, I'm here to tell you that Windows 10 S is a solid idea. But in reality, its execution is lacking, and more than a little frustrating. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that it's the only thing wrong with the Surface Laptop, which is otherwise fantastic. <h2>So what's the big idea?</h2>First, it's important to note that you're never totally stuck with Windows 10 S. If you don't like it, you can go to the Windows Store and pay $49 for an upgrade to the stock-standard Windows 10 Pro. Surface Laptop owners can make that one-way switch for free through the end of 2017.With that said: Windows 10 S is a shot across the bow at Google. It boasts a faster start-up time, higher security, easier management for the IT department, and speedier performance on all laptops - all hallmark features of Google's low-cost Chromebooks, which are the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-ipad-vs-google-chromebook-education-schools-2017-3">most popular computers in American classrooms</a>.Matt Weinberger/Business InsiderThis is the alert you get if you try to install a non-Windows Store app on Windows 10 S.With your normal, average Windows computer, all the programs running in the background - many of which were placed there by the PC manufacturer - gradually eat up more and more of your computing power over time. PC superusers call this "<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-windows-cvp-joe-belfiore-google-apple-windows-store-2017-5">bit rot</a>," and reinstall Windows on their machines periodically just to clear it out. Enter Windows 10 S: Since it can only run software from the Windows Store, there's no way that those little background programs can even get installed, let alone sap and impurify your precious computing power. That same limitation also means most viruses and malware aren't able to worm their way into your system, either. And as a nice side-benefit, cutting down on all that background activity on your system also brings theoretical gains to battery life. It's all a fine idea. It's too bad the execution is so dad-gum frustrating.<h2>What's it like to use?</h2>At first, Windows 10 S seems like it might be just dandy.The Microsoft Edge browser, while still not up to the same level as Google Chrome, is way better and faster than its predecessor Internet Explorer. The Windows Store has key apps like Facebook, Slack, Twitter and Netflix, and Microsoft promises fully-featured desktop PC versions of Microsoft Office, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-itunes-microsoft-windows-10-store-2017-5">Apple iTunes</a>, and Spotify are on their way to the Windows Store imminently.So for the first day or so, I was cruising along, using Edge, and enjoying what seems to genuinely be a slightly speedier version of Windows 10. Unfortunately, it didn't take long for cold, cruel reality to set in.One of the first things I do on every new PC is install Steam, the mega-popular video game social network-slash-store. But there's no version of Steam for the Windows Store, meaning that my shiny new computer couldn't play most any of my existing PC games. Screenshot/Matt WeinbergerIf you try to install a non-Windows Store app, Windows 10 S can search the store to find you an alternative.Okay, fine. I tried to get over that very minor headache. And yet, I kept running into more: At work, we use a service called Okta, which manages our logins to systems like payroll and expense reporting. Okta plugs into the Google Chrome browser... but it's not available for Microsoft Edge. And you can't install Chrome, if you recall. Argh.And then, I tried to sign into an online meeting using Google Hangouts. You need to install a browser plugin to make it work, which is normally no big deal. But because that plugin didn't come from the Windows Store, it won't open. I had to scramble to grab my iPhone, so I could use the app to get into that meeting. Argh, again.<h2>The bottom line</h2>I recognize that not everybody uses the same mix of apps that I do. I would, however, bet money that if you're using Windows 10 S for anything other than Facebook, Netflix, and Microsoft Office, you're going to run into some kind of incompatibility or unavailable bit of software, sooner or later.To Microsoft's credit, the company is positioning this mainly as an operating system for the classroom. The Windows Store may not have the same variety of apps as iPhone and Android, but it does have games like Minecraft and Roblox, both smash hits among the younger crowd. MicrosoftWindows 10 S looks a lot like your normal Windows 10.And it's certainly possible that as the Windows Store attracts more developers, those gaps in what you can do with Windows 10 S will get fewer and further between. Still, truthfully, while I did notice some of those faster boot-up times and so on, it didn't seem like such a gain over the stock-standard Windows 10 that it's worth these tradeoffs. If you do get a Surface Laptop, I'd advise you to go to Windows 10 Pro, ASAP, while it's still free. Get the latest Google stock price<a href="http://markets.businessinsider.com/stock/GOOG-Quote"> here.</a> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-new-surface-laptop-windows-10-s-education-2017-5">Hands-on with Microsoft's newest laptop that's taking on Google and Apple</a></h3> Please enable Javascript to watch this video

The new version of Windows is a good idea but really frustrating to actually use

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"></div></div></div>It didn't take even 48 hours for an online conspiracy theory to make its way from the reply-section of the WikiLeaks Twitter account&#xa0;to the primetime airwaves on Fox News and top conservative radio programs.On Tuesday, WikiLeaks released a batch of apparent CIA documents describing the agency's extensive cybersecurity and hacking capabilities, which appear to allow agents to&#xa0;hack into a variety of smart, internet-collected devices.And as WikiLeaks began promoting their most interesting documents, a conspiracy theory was born.The theory appeared to first emerge&#xa0;on WikiLeaks' Twitter account about an hour after the group released the Vault 7 documents. WikiLeaks highlighted the alleged abilities for CIA hackers&#xa0;to leave behind trails that resemble other hackers.Readers quickly jumped on the tweet, leaping to the conclusion&#xa0;that perhaps the&#xa0;CIA could be&#xa0;responsible for&#xa0;the hack and release of private emails from the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's former campaign chair John Podesta's email account.There are numerous reports in <keyword id="6354777" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Media">media</keyword> outlets from The New York Times to <a href="https://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/12/15/after-weeks-denials-fox-news-independently-confirms-russian-interference-us-election/214837">Fox News</a> showing in detail Russia's meddling&#xa0;in the 2016 election, including the hack and release of DNC and Podesta emails.&#xa0;Numerous US intelligence and law enforcement agencies have all <a href="http://www.politico.com/trump-russia-ties-scandal-guide/timeline-of-events">also blamed Russia for the hacks</a>.Further, The Intercept on Wednesday <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/03/08/wikileaks-files-show-the-cia-repurposing-foreign-hacking-code-to-save-time-not-to-frame-russia/">reported</a> that the CIA program - called UMBRAGE - seems primarily used a as a&#xa0;shortcut tool for writing code, and does not mention any ways to create a "false flag" operation. Instead, the Intercept reported, the tools for the CIA to hide their tracks appear to be routine&#xa0;security procedures that would be well-known by professional hackers.But this information didn't stop the&#xa0;theory from picking up&#xa0;steam among many prominent online supporters of President Donald Trump, including social-media figures like radio host Bill Mitchell and Ann Coulter.The theory spread so fast conservative radio giant Rush Limbaugh had time to tout it on his show on March 7, when he denied Trump had any Russian campaign ties to Russia."The CIA has the ability to hack anybody they want and make it look like the Russians are doing it or make it look like the ChiComs are doing it or make it look like the Israelis are doing it," Limbaugh said, using a slang term for Chinese communists.He continued: "They have the ability to mask and mock various other state actors and make it look like - so I think because of everything that we're learning here, the danger that Donald Trump has faced ever since he won the election is greater than we've ever known. And it is obvious to me that this whole business - well, I say obvious, I'm leaning toward being near certain that this entire pretext of Trump working with the Russians to affect the outcome of the election, folks, it is so ridiculous."Right-wing sites weren't the only ones spreading the theory.It was picked up by Russian state-sponsored English media outlets like Sputnik, <a href="https://sputniknews.com/politics/201703081051372136-cia-wikileaks-dump-twitter-reaction/">which gleefully mocked</a> "evidence-free" accusations that Russia hacked the election, linking to tweets "chock-full of sarcasm and memes" about the CIA's capabilities.Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov&#xa0;again <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-russia-wikileaks-dump-shows-cia-disguise-capability-2017-3">denied</a> Russia's involvement in the 2016 election hacking, pointing to the WikiLeaks documents&#xa0;on Thursday and noting&#xa0;"the CIA could get access to such 'fingerprints' and then use them."<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div></div></div>But it breached fully into the mainstream when Fox News host&#xa0;Sean Hannity floated the idea on Wednesday, <a href="https://twitter.com/oliverdarcy/status/839685000681435137">first on his radio show</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/seanhannity/status/839848903218442240">then on his Twitter account</a>."The CIA, according to these WikiLeaks leaks, uses stolen malware to attribute cyberattacks to nations like Russia," Hannity told radio listeners. "In other words, what they're saying is the CIA can actually blame Russia for an attack on an American, because they'll put their fingerprints all over the attack. Meanwhile it came from within."He added: "Well, did that happen in this case or do you think Hannity's really paranoid right now, losing his you-know-what? Maybe I'm not so paranoid."Despite Fox News' <a href="https://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/12/15/after-weeks-denials-fox-news-independently-confirms-russian-interference-us-election/214837">previous reporting that Russia hacked the DNC</a>, Tuesday's&#xa0;theory made its television debut during Hannity's primetime Fox News show on Wednesday, when Hannity asked several guests about the theory, citing <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2017/03/07/wikileaks-cia-uses-stolen-malware-to-attribute-cyberattacks-to-nations-like-russia/">a Breitbart piece</a> titled "WikiLeaks: CIA Uses 'Stolen' Malware To 'Attribute' Cyberattacks To Nations Like Russia."Former National Security Agency whistleblower William Binney, who quit the NSA over a decade ago amid distaste with the agency's surveillance program,&#xa0;said it was possible for the CIA to carry out the act described by conspiracy theorists, but cited little&#xa0;evidence to support his claim.Retired Army Lietenant Colonel Anthony Schaffer, a <a href="http://crooksandliars.com/2014/12/fox-news-retired-lt-colonel-claims-torture">torture advocate</a> who has <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/news/2012/10/28/retired-lt-col-my-sources-say-obama-was-in-the-room-watching-benghazi-attack-happen/">floated Benghazi </a>and <a href="https://www.infowars.com/lt-col-anthony-shaffer-interviewed-on-the-alex-jones-show/">9-11 conspiracy theories</a>&#xa0;in the past, took it a step further, claiming he had unnamed sources described the conspiracy to him."Sean, we did it. Not me, but our guys, former members of NSA, retired intelligence officers used these tools to break in there and get the information out. That's what the Democrats don't want to talk about because it doesn't fit their narrative," Shaffer said."You're telling me this whole Russian story that the media has been running with for months and months and months - that it was our people that did it, and they put the fingerprints of the Russians on it?" Hannity asked."That's right," Shaffer said."Do you have proof of that?" Hannity asked."I don't have proof of that," Shaffer replied.For now, it seems commentators feel confident supporting the theory, even if there's no evidence to support the charges."I consider the idea the CIA faked Russian evidence to be MORE plausible than a sophisticated state-sponsor of cyber-warfare using an off the shelf and easily detected dimestore hack, don't you?" Mitchell asked Business Insider when asked about the lack of concrete evidence on Thursday.He added: "The whole concept of 'evidence' can be misleading. Clearly, if the CIA did this, they would be careful not to leave "evidence." Regardless, thoughtful men could look at the facts we do know and consider their 'planting drugs in Russia's trunk' on the DNC hack to be plausible."Hannity, who did not immediately return a request for comment, mocked critics on his Thursday radio show: "'Hannity you've become a conspiracy theorist!' No, I've become a realist," he said.&#xa0;<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div></div></div>Attempts by top former campaign figures&#xa0;to downplay the campaign's relationship with Russia have raised suspicion among intelligence officials about the nature of the ties.As law enforcement officials continue to probe Russia's involvement in the election, Trump associates like national security representative <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/jd-gordon-trump-adviser-ukraine-rnc-2017-3">JD Gordon</a>, advisor Carter Page, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-lawyer-michael-cohen-russia-ukraine-peace-plan-2017-2">counselor Michael Cohen</a>, and current Attorney General Jeff Sessions have all altered their stories about contact with Russian officials during the campaign.Indeed, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/michael-hayden-trump-media-non-fact-based-world-view-2017-3">top US national security figures</a>&#xa0;have noted the&#xa0;argumentative consistency on numerous topics&#xa0;between Russian state-sponsored media outlets and right-leaning US&#xa0;sources like Breitbart, the Drudge Report, and Hannity."There are powerful parallels between the Russian narrative and things being said," former CIA Director Michael Hayden <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/michael-hayden-trump-media-non-fact-based-world-view-2017-3">told Business Insider</a> in an interview this week.The spectre of last summer's leaks still hangs over many current and former DNC staffers.The hack embarrassed many top staffers, exposing some staffers' distaste for&#xa0;Sen. Bernie Sanders' campaign, and forcing resignation of many top staffers.Many of the remaining staffers felt targeted, saying they experienced death-threats following the incident."It was a campaign that I've never experienced before, and I have seven presidential campaigns under my belt. When I assumed the chair role, I assumed, 'Well, this will only take a couple months out of my life, and I'll go back to being Donna.' But it transformed me," former DNC chair Donna Brazile <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/donna-brazile-interview-russian-hacking-it-transformed-me-2017-2">told Business Insider</a>."I've never gone up against a foreign military intelligence unit," Brazile said. "I don't think no campaign manager, no one in my position has ever had to fight the weaponization of misinformation, to have your files corrupted and then to be used as a form of weaponization to sew discord."This isn't the first time that WikiLeaks has inspired and stoked a conspiracy theory about the DNC hacks.Last August, the organization <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/dnc-seth-rich-wikileaks-politicize-2016-8">offered a bouty</a> for information about Seth Rich, a DNC staffer shot while walking home last July. While&#xa0;online conspiracy theorists speculated that his death was connected to the DNC hack, Washington's MPD spokesperson told Business Insider at the time that there was no evidence connecting Rich's death to his work at the DNC.<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div> <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/watch-donald-trump-let-supporter-take-over-his-campaign-style-rally-florida-melbourne-2017-2">'A star is born': Watch Trump let a supporter take over his campaign-style rally in Florida</a></h3> <div> <div> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="RvZTN1OTE6j8FqEr529iQW1SLpj2qwra" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> </div> </div> </div>

Conservative media figures embrace wild WikiLeaks conspiracy theory that CIA hacked DNC, then framed Russia

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The day after he purchased Twitter, billionaire <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1586104694421659648">Elon Musk posted</a> "comedy is now legal" on the platform.</li><li>In the days since, parody accounts impersonating Musk and joking about the acquisition have been removed.</li></ul>While comedy might be "legal" on Twitter following Elon Musk's $44 billion acquisition, parody accounts could receive a "permanent suspension" with "no warning," Musk <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1589390597798125568">tweeted</a> on Sunday — which several users told Insider has happened to their accounts after joking about the billionaire.The day after he purchased Twitter, <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1586104694421659648">Musk posted</a> a tweet saying "comedy is now legal" on the platform, but in the days since his takeover, parody accounts impersonating Musk have cropped up across the site, riffing about the new owner, and getting banned in the process. <h2>Fake Elons suspended</h2>"There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a fresh, steaming cup of my own urine," Former NFL punter <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chris-kluwe-article-slams-vikings-2014-1">Chris Kluwe</a> tweeted from his verified account after changing his account details — including photo, name, and bio — to match Musk's profile. "Such a tangy way to start the day, and it's scientifically proven to help brain cells grow. If you want to be like me, drink your pee." "Okay, time to employ plan b since they're MAKING me keep twitter," read one of a series of tweets by actor <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mad-men-actor-roles-before-they-were-famous-2015-4">Rich Sommer</a> of "Mad Men" fame, parodying Musk: "Does anyone know any advertisers who are, like, kind of 'into' racism NOT ACTUAL RACISTS!! just ad ppl who are, y'know, curious about what it's all about (racism).""The remaining staff at twitter are actively bullying me now," cartoonist <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wal-mart-furious-over-horse-website-2015-3">Jeph Jacques</a> tweeted from his verified account, which featured a profile photo of Musk from his PayPal era prior to <a href="https://pagesix.com/2018/07/25/its-highly-likely-elon-musk-spent-over-20k-on-hair-transplant-surgery-doctor-says/">suspected hair transplant surgery</a>. "Jed from accounting called me 'little baby bitchboy' to my face and nobody even said anything. I mean obviously I fired him and I'm having my goons break his wife's legs, but still. it hurts :("Since posting the joking tweets, each of the verified accounts — as well as others, including the account of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kathy-griffin-trump-reactions-2017-5">comedian Kathy Griffin</a> — have been restricted on Twitter or removed entirely."I had absolutely, let me be very clear, no intention of anyone truly believing that I was Elon Musk," Sommer told Insider. "I wanted to, I guess go down in flames. I knew I was headed for the exit door probably. But I also, just while I had that blue check, wanted to show that anyone could say they were anyone." <h2>The future of parody accounts</h2>Musk, who has described himself as a "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/free-speech-absolutist-elon-musk-censors-employees-critics-2022-3">free speech absolutist</a>" with intentions to make Twitter akin to a digital town square that allows <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1519036983137509376">all constitutionally protected speech</a>, on Sunday modified his previous comments to include only posts clearly designated as parody. "Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying 'parody' will be permanently suspended," Musk <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1589390597798125568">tweeted</a>. "Previously, we issued a warning before suspension, but now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning. This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue."Musk added that going forward, any change in name at all from a verified account would result in a "temporary loss of verified checkmark." His tweets came after accounts like Kluwe's, Sommer's, and Jacques' were suspended without warning."That is like just trying to put a band-aid on a forest fire, essentially," Kluwe told Insider about the plan to prevent abuse of the verification system. Kluwe said he aimed to draw attention to how easy it is to abuse the verified check mark by impersonating Musk and encouraged other verified users to do the same."It's especially rich coming from him, the 'champion of free speech' that he is," Kluwe added. "Like, if they're cracking down on parody then that actually would be a violation of free speech if this was a governmental public forum." <h2>Verified impersonators</h2>The existing Twitter <a href="https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies/parody-account-policy">policy on parody, commentary, and fan accounts</a> specifically prohibits users from using language like "real" or "official" on accounts not associated with the person or organization they are parodying, but accounts that specify they are parodies are not an inherent violation of Twitter's existing <a href="https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies/twitter-impersonation-and-deceptive-identities-policy#:~:text=You%20may%20not%20impersonate%20individuals,people%20can%20find%20authentic%20voices.">impersonation policy</a>. "You may not impersonate individuals, groups, or organizations to mislead, confuse, or deceive others, nor use a fake identity in a manner that disrupts the experience of others on Twitter," the existing <a href="https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies/parody-account-policy">parody account policy</a> reads.In discussions with Insider, Kluwe, Sommer, and Jacques each clearly indicated they knew their posts were in violation of Twitter terms of service and each anticipated a warning or suspension of some kind, but wanted to prove a point about the potential for abusing the verification badge to fool other users, especially in light of planned changes to the process."Really the whole point was that I knew I was breaking the terms of service — like if they're perfectly within their rights to kick me off because you're not allowed to impersonate people, it's bad for disinformation — but under this new plan of trying to monetize the verified status, that's exactly what's going to happen," Kluwe told Insider, adding that scammers using verified accounts could post links to malware or scam sites while impersonating others."All it takes is one person clicking on that link and then falling for it," Kluwe said. "From the scammer's perspective, it's a huge return on investment."Musk last week announced planned <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/verified-twitter-users-may-have-to-pay-to-keep-their-badges-report-2022-10">changes to the verification system</a>, including an <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-twitter-users-complain-pay-blue-tick-verification-fee-2022-11">$8 monthly subscription</a> to Twitter Blue to unlock verified status, which critics — including Kluwe, Sommer, and Jacques — worry will lead to scammers paying for verification only to pose as a more credible person to take advantage of others."One of the things the email [about my suspension] says is that 'significant changes to a verified profile can lead to confusion and erode the meaning of the badge,'" Jacques told Insider, adding that he believes Musk is a "chronic bullshit artist." "I'm thinking reading this email, like 'Yes the badge that you're going to be selling for $8 to anybody. That definitely has a lot of meaning.' It has been very funny. Elon has reacted exactly as I would have expected. And I'm very proud of everybody who took part in this amazing sequence of events," Jacques said.Musk and representatives for Twitter did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.

While Elon Musk said 'comedy is now legal' following his acquisition of Twitter, jokes about the new owner and criticism over his takeover are getting users blocked and suspended

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