EA Experiences Hack, Stolen Source Code

Gaming giant Electronic Arts (EA) experienced a cyberattack on last Thursday. Hackers infiltrated EA’s systems, obtained source code, and tools, and made out with 780 GB of critical EA information. 

Among the stolen data is:

• Frostbite source code
• FIFA 21 software development tools
• FIFA 22 server code

Player data was not accessed, and EA spokespeople assess that the situation is under their control. 

Law enforcement has been contacted as EA tries to trace and remedy the situation at hand. 

“No player data was accessed, and we have no reason to believe there is any risk to player privacy. Following the incident, we’ve already made security improvements and do not expect an impact on our games or our business. We are actively working with law enforcement officials and other experts as part of this ongoing criminal investigation,” one representative noted.

No ransomware has been reported, indicating that the primary purpose of this attack was not the same as recently experienced cyberattacks. In the previous ransomware attack on the Colonial pipeline, payment in the form of Bitcoin was required for the ransom to be met. 

Stolen source code can be used to reproduce games and engineer specific hacks that can be used as exploits in a game’s experience. Previously stolen codes have allegedly sold for millions of dollars. 

Similarly, source code could be used to create a copy of an EA product. Though it would be difficult for their direct competitors to get away with such an action, the risk still worries developers, executives, shareholders, and engineers. 

Frostbite source code is precious as it covers many of EA’s games, including the Battlefield series and multiple Star Wars installments. 

The attack poses more of a risk to EA’s intellectual property than anything else and could harm their innovative edge within the gaming industry.