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Kaspersky notified users of Wallpaper Engine, a popular desktop screen makeup program on Steam, after detecting a malware-embedded wallpaper by hackers to spread through Steam Workshop, with the goal of stealing users' personal information, passwords, and critical accounts.

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This is not directly caused by Steam or Wallpaper Engine being hacked, but by the openness of Steam Workshop, which allows users to upload content, allowing non-hopefuls to release dangerous wallpapers mixed with normal work.

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According to the report, most of the problem wallpapers are Application Wallpaper type, which is not just a normal image or video file, but can run code or programs on the machine, so they are used as embedded malware channels such as Infostealer for password theft, browser information, krypto bags, and account information.

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Kaspersky states that attacks of this nature begin to be found as early as the end of 2025, with the first phase focusing on attacks on users in China and Russia before victims in other countries are found following, while some wallpapers have already been downloaded tens of thousands of times before being detected and removed from the platform.

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However, users do not need to be alarmed by all types of wallpaper, because typical still image or video files are not at risk in the same way; a particular point to be aware of is the wallpaper coming in application form, or the content from unreliable creators.

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For protection methods, download wallpaper from creators with a good history. Read reviews and comments before installing. Avoid suspicious-looking files. Always enable Antivirus or Windows Security. And if you've ever downloaded a strange wallpaper before, scan the Full Scan uniform with key account passwords such as Steam, email and accounts related to financial transactions.

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Source: dexerto

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