How Classic Games Are Being Used in Malware Campaigns

Classic games like Mahjong and Minesweeper have long been seen as harmless time-passers. These titles offer a sense of nostalgia and comfort for many, and that’s exactly what cybercriminals are counting on. Threat actors know that games familiar from the early days of Windows and arcade halls still resonate today, and they’re using that trust to deliver a range of malware campaigns. While these games bring back fond memories, their digital versions can open doors to infections, cryptojacking, and stealthy payloads that slip under the radar.

Trojanized Mahjong Clones

Mahjong has seen countless online clones appear in recent years. Some of these are harmless diversions. Others, however, have become convenient covers for malicious activity. Malware-laced Mahjong installers have been discovered that hide XMRig cryptocurrency miners. In these cases, players think they’re enjoying a quick game, but behind the scenes, their computers are working overtime to generate cryptocurrency for someone else’s wallet.

More worrying still are browser-based Mahjong clones that deliver even more insidious payloads. These web versions have been used to inject cryptojacking scripts into unsuspecting users’ browsers. The malicious code often runs without any visible sign, quietly working in the background to drain processing power and electricity. In rare cases, these clones have also acted as phishing vectors, tricking users into handing over personal data or clicking on links that lead to further infections.

While these malware-laced Mahjong clones pose significant security threats, legitimate platforms such as mahjong365.com, for example, offer players a safe, secure environment to enjoy Mahjong for real money. These regulated sites typically use the same security standards as leading online casinos, including encrypted transactions, rigorous licensing, and active anti-fraud measures. This ensures that fans of classic games can experience Mahjong’s competitive excitement without compromising their digital safety.

Minesweeper and the RAT Campaign

Mahjong isn’t the only classic game to have found itself at the heart of malicious campaigns. Minesweeper, a simple puzzle familiar to any office worker who’s spent too long at their desk, was recently repackaged as a tool for threat actors. In a documented campaign, a seemingly innocent Minesweeper installer was bundled with a remote access tool. Distributed via phishing emails, the infected installer didn’t just let users play the game; it also installed software that granted attackers full control over the infected machine.

The installer used clever tricks to avoid detection. It combined the actual Minesweeper game code with malicious components. Users could play the game normally, none the wiser that their data was being siphoned off or their systems scanned for valuable information. This campaign targeted industries like finance and insurance, showing that even the most unassuming of games can be repurposed as a stealthy weapon.

Browser-Based Casual Games: A Gateway to Cryptojacking

Casual puzzle games hosted on browser-based platforms have been a fertile ground for cryptojacking scripts. Cryptojacking relies on in-browser scripts that mine cryptocurrencies, typically Monero, whenever a user loads the infected page. These scripts can turn a basic Solitaire game site, for example, into a miner’s paradise, consuming the unsuspecting player’s processing power. Because browser games are easy to publish and often fly under the radar of security teams, they’ve become a perfect delivery vehicle for this sort of abuse.

Why Classic Games Are a Target

The biggest advantage of targeting classic games lies in their reputation. No one expects Minesweeper or Mahjong to be linked to malware. Threat actors know this, and they have found ways to pack these familiar games with harmful code. In many cases, it starts with a simple download. Users search for a free Mahjong clone or a digital version of Solitaire, only to discover later that they’ve installed far more than they bargained for.

Malware campaigns built around games tend to use a layered approach. The game itself is just a shell, often fully functional, to keep suspicion low. Hidden beneath that friendly interface is a dropper or loader that quietly sets up a second-stage payload. The final goal varies. Some campaigns have deployed cryptocurrency miners to exploit system resources. Others focus on adware, or worse, remote access tools that give attackers full control.

How Hackers Use Classic Games to Their Advantage

Hackers don’t need to reinvent the wheel to slip past defences. They take advantage of what’s familiar and comforting. Users trust classic games, and IT teams rarely see them as a risk. That’s all the cover an attacker needs.

What makes these attacks so effective is how the malware hides in plain sight. A working game interface means few people question the file they’ve installed. In the case of browser-based games, malicious JavaScript miners run invisibly while users are focused on the game. These campaigns often use advanced evasion techniques, such as sandbox checks, system fingerprinting, and encrypted communications with command-and-control servers.

Today, hackers and threat actors rely on individuals’ love for nostalgia. These games were once included in every Windows PC. The familiarity they offer makes them feel safe, even when downloaded from questionable sources. That misplaced trust is exactly what cybercriminals exploit to launch their campaigns.

Lessons for Technical Defenders

For anyone working in threat intelligence or network defence, these campaigns are a reminder to look further than the usual suspects. Malware doesn’t always look like a suspicious executable or a shady browser plugin. Sometimes, it’s the friendly puzzle that’s been around for decades.

Technical teams should keep an eye out for unexpected resource usage, especially on endpoints that have installed free games from unverified sources. Endpoint monitoring tools can help catch cryptojacking scripts or hidden miners. Network-level monitoring can also reveal unusual outbound connections from systems running games that shouldn’t be phoning home.

Conclusion

Classic games are more than just a nostalgic throwback—they can be cleverly repurposed by threat actors as vehicles for malware. By exploiting familiar interfaces and sentimental value, attackers uncover new pathways to bypass security measures. In contrast, regulated and licensed platforms offer a secure environment for enjoying these games, applying robust protection standards similar to those used in online casinos. As malware tactics grow more sophisticated, defenders must recognize that even the most innocent-looking applications can conceal serious threats.