Hidden Realms: Exploring Steganography Methods in Games for Covert Malware Delivery
摘要
As digital systems continue to evolve, so do the tactics employed by malicious actors. Studies have shown a rise in smartphone malware over the past decade, posing a threat to user services and data privacy. The adoption of “bring your own device” policies has made smartphones lucrative targets for attackers. Trojan droppers, disguised as valuable applications, are a major concern. Covert channels, including game-based ones, are being used by innovative threat actors to hide and transmit information covertly bypassing implemented security measures. This analysis delves into the multifaceted realm of cybersecurity. Our work overviews a substantial of information hiding techniques by separating them into five main groups: (i) puzzle games, (ii) board games, (iii) strategy games, (iv) sports and simulation games, and (v) action games. Finally, countermeasures necessary for addressing such threats are presented. By exploring the potential exploitation of games for covert communication, researchers and practitioners can gain insights into the unique challenges posed by this evolving facet of cybersecurity.