Hackers stealing CSGO skins through iOS vulnerability, Steam API

While most serious CSGO skin collectors rely on Steam Guard’s two-factor authentication for protection, recent high-profile account breaches reveal significant security gaps in the system. The compromise of professional players’ inventories demonstrates that even robust 2FA implementations can be circumvented through unexpected attack vectors.

On November 28, 2020, professional CS:GO competitor Paytyn “Junior” Johnson discovered his entire skin collection—valued at approximately $20,000—had been systematically stripped from his account. The attack exploited a critical vulnerability that allowed hackers to bypass both his Steam credentials and the mobile-based Steam Guard authentication. This incident highlights how standard security measures may provide false confidence for high-value inventory holders.

Hackers access pro’s Steam account, steal skins

Security researchers have identified that iOS device backups stored in iCloud create an unexpected attack surface for Steam account compromise. When users enable app backup functionality, they inadvertently store their complete Steam authentication chain in the cloud, creating a single point of failure that undermines the entire security model.

I wake up getting spammed notifications my steams been hacked, I was able to logon and deauthorize the account and changed every password I have, in a span of 5 minutes of me changing everything somehow all of my skins (around 20k) got sent through to another account without 1/2

— Paytyn (@1juniorcs)November 27, 2020

Many players utilize Apple’s iCloud storage for photos and contact synchronization, but few realize that enabling application backups also stores sensitive authentication data. When Steam app backup is activated, the system archives login credentials, password information, and crucially—the Steam Guard authentication tokens themselves.

The attack process becomes alarmingly straightforward once hackers gain iCloud access. They can download the complete backup file and utilize specialized desktop utilities that extract and generate two-factor authentication codes, completely neutralizing the mobile-based security measure. This three-component attack—combining credentials, backup data, and desktop code generation—enables rapid inventory transfer to intermediary accounts or third-party trading platforms.

What makes this attack particularly effective is the speed of execution. As Junior’s experience demonstrates, even immediate password changes and account deauthorization cannot prevent the theft when all three authentication components are compromised simultaneously.

Why do you need Steam Guard and other two-factor authentication?

In 2016, Valve implemented a significant policy shift regarding stolen skin recovery. With the widespread adoption of two-factor authentication and proliferation of third-party skin markets, the company announced it would no longer regenerate items for victims of theft. This decision was driven by multiple factors including fraud prevention concerns and economic considerations within the Steam ecosystem.

Valve’s primary concern centered on potential abuse scenarios where users could fabricate theft claims to duplicate valuable skins or profit from external marketplace sales. The company maintains a 15% transaction fee on all CSGO item sales through the Steam Marketplace, creating strong financial incentives to keep transactions within their controlled environment.

However, exceptions do occur in high-profile cases. Professional players like Jake “Stewie2k” Yip have successfully recovered stolen items, suggesting that Valve maintains discretion in exceptional circumstances, particularly when publicity highlights systemic security flaws.

How do Steam accounts get stolen?

Security analysts identify three primary methods for Steam account compromise. The first involves straightforward credential theft where hackers obtain email addresses and passwords through data breaches or phishing attacks. With these components, attackers can initiate email resets and gain full account control. Steam explicitly warns against password reuse across email and Steam accounts, as this creates a single point of failure.

The second method exploits the iCloud backup vulnerability detailed earlier, where hackers combine backup access with credential information. The third approach utilizes malware infiltration through keyloggers and viruses that capture authentication data directly from compromised systems.

Each attack vector requires different prevention strategies. Credential theft demands strong unique passwords and email security, backup exploitation requires careful iCloud management, and malware protection necessitates robust antivirus solutions and safe browsing practices.

Will Valve return stolen skins to thier owners like Stewie2k?

Despite Valve’s general policy against skin recovery, precedent exists for successful restorations in high-profile cases. Team Liquid’s Jake “Stewie2k” Yip recovered his stolen inventory after a similar breach during the 2019 StarLadder Berlin Major. This suggests that professional players may receive special consideration, though such outcomes remain unpredictable for average users.

• Valve hooks Stewie up after pro hacked at StarLadder Berlin

Much love & appreciation for the quick recovery @CSGO . Stole thousands of dollars of skins without trade ban & i have no idea how. Hats off for the hacker, dedicated your life for these things…got what you want. Seems like @CSGO got it all under control though ❤️

— Jake (@Stewie)September 5, 2019

The Steam platform hosts numerous sophisticated scams designed to separate players from their valuable items. Beyond basic security rules, advanced protection requires understanding the complete attack surface.

• If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
• Never share your password with anyone.
• Enable 2FA on all access points including email, phone authentication, and Steam itself.

Steam Family Sharing provides an additional security layer, though its implementation requires careful configuration. As CSGO observer DJ “Prius” Kuntz recommends, this feature adds another authentication step but must be properly implemented to provide effective protection.

For comprehensive security strategies, consult our Complete Guide to account protection, which covers advanced techniques beyond standard recommendations.

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