NEWARK, New Jersey (AP) – The state of New Jersey has reached a $1 million settlement with an online video gaming company accused of infecting thousands of computers with malicious software and mining for electronic currency.
Acting Attorney General John Hoffman says E-Sports Entertainment took control of the computers, monitored what users were doing and illegally mined for the e-currency Bitcoin.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Hoffman says E-Sports seized control of about 14,000 computers in New Jersey and nationwide and made about $3,500 in illegally obtained Bitcoins.
The company provides anti-cheat gaming services to people who download software that costs $6.95 a month.
A message left at E-Sports headquarters was not immediately returned.
As part of the agreement, the company must not provide customers with services that are downloaded without their consent.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
