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Former #1 Movie Piracy Site Linked to Global Malware Outbreak
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Last Updated: Jul 23, 2025
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Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Content Manager
FMovies was found operating a worldwide malware campaign which exposed more than 32 million devices to severe security risks.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- FMovies linked to global infostealer malware activity.
- Over 32 million devices reportedly infected worldwide.
- Microsoft traced malware to pirate streaming platforms.
A growing body of evidence is linking the now-defunct FMovies movie piracy site, which held the title of world’s most popular before its 2024 shutdown, as first reported by Torrent Freak (TF).
Microsoft researchers first identified in March 2025 that the malware spread through various pirate streaming sites, and had already infected more than one million devices.
TF reports that Fmovies campaign demonstrated strong connections to attacks which targeted users worldwide. The infostealers would silently extract sensitive data from compromised devices, including personal information, valuable credentials, stored credit card details, cookies/session tokens and crypto wallets.
Despite widespread anti-piracy campaigns warning users about malware threats, many users remained skeptical, as noted by TF. Users of piracy sites frequently dismiss corporate warnings because they believe that these alerts exist only to protect corporate financial interests.
However, TF reports that Hudson Rock’s Cavalier OSINT platform, combined with breach data from Infostealers.com, shows over 32.2 million infected machines and 4.8 million compromised employees. The majority of these infections originated from piracy-related vectors that included domains which the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment previously seized.
FMovies, in particular, remains a notable case. Although shut down, data shows it still ranks high in infostealer-linked infection rates. In the end, vague warnings may not resonate, but hard data speaks volumes.
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