‘Battlefield’ publisher EA says investigating recent data breach

Electronic Arts Inc (EA.O) is investigating a recent privacy breach that stole some of its game source code and tools, the video game publisher said Thursday, and became the latest victim in a spate of cyberattacks targeting US companies.

The editor of titles such as Battlefield, Apex Legends and Madden NFL 21 said it does not expect any impact on its games or business and is working with law enforcement and other experts on an ongoing criminal investigation.

Vice’s motherboard previously reported that hackers had stolen a wealth of data, including source code for the popular “FIFA 21” title, as well as source code and tools for the Frostbite engine, a software development toolset for game developers.

According to the report, hackers stole a total of around 780 gigabytes of data and also offered them for sale in several underground hacking forum posts.

“No player data has been accessed and we have no reason to believe that there is a risk to player privacy,” EA said in a statement.

Hacking activity against businesses in the US and other countries has increased as digital thieves took advantage of security weakened by work from home guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The breach follows high profile cyberattacks on Meatpacker JBS USA and Colonial Pipeline, the largest fuel pipeline in the United States.

EA’s shares fell as much as 2.4% to a session low of $ 142.31.

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.