Stolen CD Projekt Red source files reportedly sold on the dark web
It’s not clear what the files will be used for, or who even bought them.
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What you need to know
The dark web monitoring organization KELA hasannouncedthat source files stolen fromCyberpunk 2077developer CD Projekt Red in a recentcyber attackhave been sold in a dark web auction. Reportedly, the files included source code for Cyberpunk 2077,The Witcher 3, and Gwent.Reportsindicate that the files were sold for $7 million in a single package, although the validity of this data is currently unclear.
Just in:#CDProjektRedAUCTION IS CLOSED.#Hackersauctioned off stolen source code for the#RedEngineand#CDPRgame releases, and have just announced that a satisfying offer from outside the forum was received, with the condition of no further distribution or selling.pic.twitter.com/4Z2zoZlkV6Just in:#CDProjektRedAUCTION IS CLOSED.#Hackersauctioned off stolen source code for the#RedEngineand#CDPRgame releases, and have just announced that a satisfying offer from outside the forum was received, with the condition of no further distribution or selling.pic.twitter.com/4Z2zoZlkV6— KELA (@Intel_by_KELA)February 11, 2021February 11, 2021
At the moment, it isn’t clear what the files will be used for or who even bought them. Cybersecurity experts, however,may have sniffed out the culprit of the file theft, with several experts identifying a group named “HelloKitty” as the guilty party. We’ll likely learn more as more experts investigate the cyber attack in the coming days and weeks.
Overall, it’s troubling to think that crucial developer source files can be stolen and sold for millions of dollars in what feels like the blink of an eye. Hopefully this situation doesn’t end up hurting CD Projekt Red’s developers too much in the long run. The company has gone through extreme scrutiny recently due tointensely harsh working conditionsandsuspicions of intentional dishonestyabout the quality of Cyberpunk 2077’s console versions, so we can’t imagine this file theft is helping matters.
Cyberpunk 2077 is available now for $60 onXbox Series X,Xbox Series S, Xbox One consoles, and Windows 10 PCs via Steam as well as CD Projekt Red’s own GOG storefront.
A futuristic adventure awaits
Cyberpunk 2077 is the latest project from CD Projekt Red, the developers of the generation-defining The Witcher 3. A futuristic adventure in the neon-soaked streets of Night City awaits!
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Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he’s been an avid fan since childhood. He’s been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you’ll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he’s not writing or gaming, there’s a good chance he’s either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once.Follow him on X(Twitter).
