Looking for Game Cheats? Here’s Why That’s a Bad Idea

We’re not here to discuss the ethics of cheating, whether it’s in single-player or online games. No need to worry about hearing “you cheated not only the game, but yourself” from us. However, we do want you to understand what a huge security threat game cheats can be. Read the following before you download that aimbot.

Be Aware of Malware

First off, the obvious: cheat programs can be infected with malware. The most common strains seem to be Remote Access Trojans (RATs). As the name implies, this type of malware allows cyber attackers to remotely access your gaming device. You can probably guess that’s not a great situation to be in.

Attackers can basically control everything on your machine, including your mouse and keyboard. They may use their newfound powers to sift through your system and extract valuable data. Saved accounts and passwords, payment methods, personal documents, and even work files (especially now that everyone’s working from home).

Of course, that’s not the only way attackers can compromise your system through game cheats. One CS:GO cheating tool (that was advertised through YouTube) installed a cryptocurrency miner on MacOS devices. Meanwhile, another CS:GO cheat effectively bricked peoples’ hard drives back in 2016.

“No big deal, I’ll just use anti-malware or VirusTotal to scan the files before I run them!” Here’s the problem, though: malware developers have thought of that possibility as well. They now run their creations through multiple scanners and change their code just enough to stay under the radar.

Don’t get us wrong – it’s good that you’re taking measures to protect yourself from malware. Just know that it’s not a perfect solution. Avoiding shady files in the first place is the best way to stay safe.

Phishing Scams Cast a Wide Net

Hollywood has you believing that hacking is all about screens filled with code straight out of a “Matrix” wallpaper. According to the FBI, however, a huge portion of all cyber attacks involve phishing. In other words, luring people on impostor websites where they readily give out their personal data.

Of course, fake websites aren’t the only way cyber attackers “phish” for your data. You’ve probably heard about Grand Theft Auto 5 scam videos on YouTube that promise billions in in-game dollars. All you’d have to do is prove it’s you by handing out your personal info on a third party website. Easy, right?

Only instead of confirming your identity for easy money, your account and other sensitive data gets stolen. How so? Well, phishing websites are designed to send any data you input straight to the attackers. The worst part is that phishing domains look more convincing by the day.

Yes, hackers could potentially make their own “Rockstar Social Club” that’s indistinguishable from the real thing. The only telltale sign of such a phishing scam is the URL in your address bar. For example, the fake sign in form could start with https://signin.rockstarrgames.com/signin/ (notice the extra ‘r’).

Always double-check your links whenever logging in is involved! Do you have the skills?

You Could Lose Your Account

Pretty straightforward. After all, game devs don’t take kindly to cheaters. Losing your investment can sting, whether it’s the money you’ve spent playing your favorite MMO, the countless hours you’ve devoted to grinding out ranks and rewards, or the occasional microtransactions. Or even the friends you’ve made along the way, if you want to get cheesy.

Please consider the risks before you click one of those five “Download” buttons they always plaster on dubious websites.