The developer of the popular open source text editor Notepad++ has confirmed that hackers hijacked the software to deliver malicious updates to users over the course of several months in 2025.
In a blog post published Monday, Notepad++ developer Don Ho said that the cyberattack was likely carried out by hackers associated with the Chinese government between June and December 2025, citing multiple analyses by security experts who examined the malware payloads and attack patterns. Ho said this “would explain the highly selective targeting” seen during the campaign.
Good thing I always ignore notepad++ updates. I mean, good on the devs for active development, but having a user-intervention-required update option every time I launch? Feels clunky.
You would prefer it automatically pull down and install malware?
I think they want them to reduce the release frequency.
Software should have version notification settings like, All, Security Only, Major Release, etc.
While I enjoy staying current, I don’t need the 2.1.3.2.1.000000023 release where someone fixes a minor bug in a niche feature that I have never used to begin with.
I’d love that. Some things I’m willing to be on beta release. Some things I just want to be invisible and silent unless there’s a security problem.
I mean, isn’t that what Windows does anyway?
I’d obviously prefer Notepad++ didn’t auto-install malware. Steam and Discord force auto-updates on every launch and do so without user intervention. I haven’t knowingly been burned by either yet, but they’re bigger players with more resources than Notepad++.