August 8, 2026, 11:55 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Around Christopher Nolan’s new film “The Odyssey,” security experts are warning of a malware campaign. Criminals are exploiting interest in the film by spreading supposed download versions online. Users searching for free copies may end up downloading malware instead of a video file.
Malware Disguised as “The Odyssey” Download
According to Bitdefender, alleged “The Odyssey” downloads are offered as “1080p WEBRip” or Blu-ray versions. However, these are not video files but the malware LummaStealer.
The attackers largely avoid classic phishing emails or ads. Instead, they rely on users actively searching for free movie copies and downloading the prepared files.
Particularly problematic is the disguise as an executable Windows file with the .exe extension. Since Windows hides file extensions by default, many users do not immediately realize that it is not a video. Additional confusion arises from an icon resembling the VLC Media Player, making the file appear like a regular movie rather than an executable program.
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What Data LummaStealer Targets
LummaStealer is part of the group known as infostealers. These malware programs aim to read and transmit sensitive information from affected systems.
Potential targets include stored browser passwords, cookies, and active logins to online services. Credit card and payment data can also be intercepted, according to reports.
Additionally, the malware is interested in credentials for remote desktop connections and cryptocurrency wallets. If attackers obtain certain browser cookies, they may even bypass security mechanisms like two-factor authentication.
Tips for Protecting Against the Malware
Experts advise being particularly cautious when “The Odyssey” downloads are offered as supposed movie files. Suspicion is warranted if an executable file is downloaded instead of a video or archive file.
A key protective measure is to never run an EXE file disguised as a movie. Additionally, enabling the display of file extensions in Windows can help identify suspicious files more easily.
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Furthermore, experts recommend watching films exclusively through legal streaming services and using up-to-date antivirus protection. The visible file extension quickly reveals whether it is indeed a video file or a program.