Advice Request Game mods Security risk ?

Please provide comments and solutions that are helpful to the author of this topic.

Are Game mods ever a Security risk ?

  • No

    Votes: 1 11.1%

  • Yes

    Votes: 1 11.1%

  • Sometimes

    Votes: 7 77.8%
  • Total voters
    9
Big security risk. What better target than people with high end cpu's/graphics cards. But the same can be said about anything available for download on the internet, there is legit and non-legit and shades in-between. In the past it was warez, cracks, vst's/music software and the next step is game mods.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Brahman and ng4ever
Zero Knowledge said:
Big security risk. What better target than people with high end cpu's/graphics cards. But the same can be said about anything available for download on the internet, there is legit and non-legit and shades in-between. In the past it was warez, cracks, vst's/music software and the next step is game mods.
Click to expand...

Even the ones on Steam workshop ?
 
There are so many different types of mods/formats that it's hard to outright say if it's safe if it isn't.

I've been an avid PC gamer for around 15 years and have created/downloaded countless mods. I've never been infected via a mod, but my PC was almost infected via an unofficial patch update for an older PC game.

I feel it's important to familiarise yourself with file types and extensions, including their expectations and capabilities, prior to downloading/modding games.

There's also a few important factors to check as well:
  • Is the size of the file and the type of file expected for that specific mod? (i.e a texture replacement mod is usually .archive or an image format, so if it's a .exe then that's a red flag).
  • What is the source of the mod, did you download it from a reputable website i.e NexusMods or a random Warez site? (There's dedicated modding websites which are certified and have in-house monitoring, stick to those!)
  • Is the uploader reputable/long-term history of uploads with no issues? (If the uploader is new with no previous uploads/posts, be more hesitant and take extra precautions).
  • Is it injecting anything into your memory/game, or is it simply a texture replacement file or read-only script? (Links in with file format familiarity - it's rare a mod will be a .exe or .bat format so if it is, then there'd be a cause for concern).
  • It's worth noting, most malware, viruses and keyloggers come from unofficial game patches/keygens/cracks - as opposed to mods. (Typically .exe .bat powershell formats are the most risky)
Also ensure that anything you do download is checked via your security vendor; malware scan etc. Usually done automatically, but manual scans of files are definitely recommended, and if you're really concerned the file can be uploaded to Virustotal.com. Some mods/patches are .exe files which can be totally legit, but these should 100% be scanned and opened in sandbox mode if possible.

But the most important thing; common sense, taking your time and if ever unsure ask for advice. (Google and a bit of reading does wanders for a concerned or hesitant mind!).
 
  • Like
Reactions: roger_m and ng4ever

You may also like...