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Game mods Security risk ?
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<blockquote data-quote="Stargazer_Steve" data-source="post: 1013650" data-attributes="member: 97792"><p>There are so many different types of mods/formats that it's hard to outright say if it's safe if it isn't.</p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>I feel it's important to familiarise yourself with file types and extensions, including their expectations and capabilities, prior to downloading/modding games.</p><p></p><p>There's also a few important factors to check as well:</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Is the size of the file and the type of file expected for that specific mod?</strong> <em>(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).</em></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>What is the source of the mod, did you download it from a reputable website i.e NexusMods or a random Warez site?</strong> <em>(There's dedicated modding websites which are certified and have in-house monitoring, stick to those!)</em></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Is the uploader reputable/long-term history of uploads with no issues?</strong> <em>(If the uploader is new with no previous uploads/posts, be more hesitant and take extra precautions).</em></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Is it injecting anything into your memory/game, or is it simply a texture replacement file or read-only script?</strong> <em>(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).</em></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>It's worth noting, most malware, viruses and keyloggers come from unofficial game patches/keygens/cracks - as opposed to mods. (</strong><em>Typically .exe .bat powershell formats are the most risky)</em></li> </ul><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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!).</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Stargazer_Steve, post: 1013650, member: 97792"] 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: [LIST] [*][B]Is the size of the file and the type of file expected for that specific mod?[/B] [I](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).[/I] [*][B]What is the source of the mod, did you download it from a reputable website i.e NexusMods or a random Warez site?[/B] [I](There's dedicated modding websites which are certified and have in-house monitoring, stick to those!)[/I] [*][B]Is the uploader reputable/long-term history of uploads with no issues?[/B] [I](If the uploader is new with no previous uploads/posts, be more hesitant and take extra precautions).[/I] [*][B]Is it injecting anything into your memory/game, or is it simply a texture replacement file or read-only script?[/B] [I](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).[/I] [*][B]It's worth noting, most malware, viruses and keyloggers come from unofficial game patches/keygens/cracks - as opposed to mods. ([/B][I]Typically .exe .bat powershell formats are the most risky)[/I] [/LIST] 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!). [/QUOTE]
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