Counter-Strike anti-cheat software mined 30 bitcoin without players' knowledge
Summary
In April 2013, approximately 14,000 gaming computers unknowingly mined bitcoin through the Counter-Strike anti-cheat software, resulting in around 30 bitcoin being generated over two weeks. This unauthorized activity was initiated by a staff member after an internal test was cancelled, leading to players experiencing significantly increased GPU usage and overheating issues. In response to the incident and its fallout, the company reached a $1 million settlement with New Jersey, in addition to donating the mined bitcoin and an equal amount to charity. This event underscores the ongoing struggles in the gaming industry to combat cheating, as well as the regulatory pressures New Jersey faces in overseeing digital and cryptocurrency activities.
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