One Battle After Another has quickly become a standout contender for film of the year, drumming up Oscar buzz across the board. However, if you’re thinking about watching it at home, there’s a major red flag. Security experts have discovered malware lurking in some online torrents of this much-anticipated movie, laying waste to your Windows PC in the process.
According to Bitdefender, people downloading torrents of One Battle After Another may end up with a nasty surprise: a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) known as Agent Tesla. What might seem like a harmless video file is actually a series of PowerShell scripts designed to build a memory-resident command-and-control (C2) agent on your device.
What Does This Malware Do?
Let’s break it down. When users download what they believe is the movie, they actually receive malware that grants hackers full access to personal and financial data on the infected computer. Not only that, but these hackers can use your device to penetrate other systems as well. Quite frightening, right?
How Does the Attack Work?
Bitdefender explains that unsuspecting users are instructed to open a file named CD.lnk to start the movie. What’s more alarming is that the malicious code is hidden within the subtitles file, labeled Part2.subtitles.srt. This file contains legitimate subtitles, but lines 100 to 103 have batch code that initiates the attack once the user opens the movie. It’s an insidious ploy designed especially for those who might not be savvy about such risks.
Is Malware Hidden in Subtitles New?
Exploiting subtitles to deploy malware isn’t a novel tactic—it’s been known since at least 2017. Yet, the specific methods tied to this torrent are fresh. Bitdefender also indicates that Agent Tesla has appeared in phishing scams, notably during past attempts to lure individuals into revealing sensitive information.
Who Is at Risk?
Most seasoned pirates who frequently download content can spot this trick easily. They know that executing odd programs is unnecessary for watching movies, which typically come in formats like .mp4 and .mkv. Unfortunately, this malware campaign seems to be aimed at beginners looking to snag a free watch of this highly hyped film.
What Makes This Film So Special?
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and featuring a stellar cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, and newcomer Chase Infiniti, this film has been awarded best picture by the New York Film Critics Circle. It’s also bagged nine nominations at the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards—the most of any film this year. Expect it to be a strong competitor at the upcoming Academy Awards!
When Will One Battle After Another Be Available to Stream?
If you’ve been waiting to see this film without the threat of malware, you’re in luck. HBO Max announced that it will start streaming One Battle After Another starting Dec. 19. Why risk turning your computer into a malware-ridden zombie when the film will be available on a trusted platform?
For your safety and peace of mind, it’s always wise to steer clear of illegal downloads. Stick to reputable sources and enjoy the cinematic experience without the worry of malware wreaking havoc on your device.
What Should I Do If I Accidentally Downloaded Malware?
If you suspect that you’ve unwittingly downloaded a malicious file, immediately disconnect your computer from the internet. Use a reputable antivirus program to scan and remove any threats. It’s a good idea to back up your data regularly, so you can restore any important files if necessary.
How Can I Protect My Computer From Future Threats?
Staying safe online starts with common sense. Always download software from trusted websites and avoid suspicious links. Regularly updating your operating system and antivirus software will also boost your defenses against emerging threats.
Where Can I Find More Information About Streaming Options?
For details on various streaming services, reviews, and recommendations, visiting movie-related blogs and forums can be immensely helpful. Websites like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes often provide insights into the latest releases and where to watch them legally.
What are your thoughts on this surprising twist in the film industry? Have you ever encountered a similar situation? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!