Warning all weebs: Kaspersky says hackers are distributing malware via anime girl wallpapers on Steam Workshop’s Wallpaper Engine
Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has discovered malware being distributed through Steam Workshop via infected Wallpaper Engine packages. The malware was disguised as animated desktop wallpapers and affected thousands of downloads across the platform.
According to Kaspersky’s research, multiple compromised wallpaper submissions targeting the anime community were made available on Steam Workshop. The attack exploited the trust users place in user-generated content repositories, with infected wallpapers downloaded thousands of times before being identified and removed.
This incident highlights an emerging trend of cybercriminals leveraging popular distribution channels for legitimate user-created content to spread malware. Steam Workshop’s accessibility and large user base make it an attractive vector for attacks, particularly when targeting niche communities with specialized interests such as anime wallpapers.
Wallpaper Engine, available on Steam, is a popular application for creating and sharing animated desktop wallpapers. The discovery serves as a reminder that even curated platforms require user vigilance when downloading third-party content, and users should employ security tools and verify the legitimacy of submissions before installation.