The latest video games on virtually all platforms have been keeping up with inflation and have outrageous prices. The high prices often lead to frustration by the consumers. And some consider looking into unpopular ways to obtain the much-desired content.
Eye-Watering Price Tags
Such ways surely can be tempting as some top video game titles can easily cost north of $100, making them extremely hard for people to obtain. For example, the new EA SPORTS FCâ„¢ 25 Ultimate Edition costs $99.99 before tax, and the Star Wars Outlaws Ultimate Edition retails for $129.99.
The Temptation of Piracy
However, does this mean that folks should look into other ways to obtain the games for free? In short, the answer is no. Folks unwilling to pay the price often find out the hard way that cheap is expensive.Â
If folks cannot convince relatives or a friend to purchase them the electronic game or are completely out of money, they may end up looking into somehow downloading a cracked version of the game.
Videos explaining how users unwilling to pay can get access to a game often go viral on social media. The options presented in such videos usually teach viewers to commit a crime, but this is not the only problem. Apart from being illegal, obtaining video games in such ways can also make people and their loved ones more prone to cyberattacks. As the likelihood of the cracked game being infected with computer viruses is high. This risk is not to be taken lightly.Â
The Dangers of Downloading Pirated Games
It is well-known that pirated video games, whether downloaded using a torrent client or found somewhere on the web, often contain malware. There is no guarantee that the pirated video game will work. But downloading and installing the files onto a system is a good indicator that malicious code has just been welcomed into a home or business network.
Fraudsters often go the extra mile to convince people that the installation is safe. The instructions they provide would request wannabe gamers to disable or ignore any antivirus software notifications alerting the user that malicious files are being deployed on a console or computer. Sometimes, hackers even use CAPTCHA verification to convince gamers that they are going through a verification process. The video game players bypass the verification systems and then discover that the files are riddled with malware.
Read also: Protecting Yourself from Malicious Web Apps: What You Need to Know
Consequences of Pirated Video Games
Sometimes, cracked games work, and people end up saving some money. Things could look perfect if the antivirus system does not detect anything suspicious after a shady install. However, users are bound to learn that the installation also left back doors open for cybercriminals to exploit wherever they please. Pirated video games often also come with limitations. On many occasions, they cannot be played online or updated. Which ruins the whole gaming experience and opens up more room for cyber-attacks.Â
Internet surfers often don’t need to download a cracked game to get infected. Such pirated content is often stored at compromised websites and servers that start attacking while gamers are just window shopping. Quality antivirus software would prevent folks from even ending on such websites.Â
Play It Safe: Stick to Legitimate Sources
Staying away from pirated content and using legitimate sources is a must. Using common sense is also crucial – if something is too good to be true, it probably isn’t.Â
In most cases, it is better just to bite the bullet and pay the asked price. By paying a fair price, video game developers and companies get rewarded for their hard work. Who would you prefer to reward – criminals or video gaming companies?
Panda Security specializes in the development of endpoint security products and is part of the WatchGuard portfolio of IT security solutions. Initially focused on the development of antivirus software, the company has since expanded its line of business to advanced cyber-security services with technology for preventing cyber-crime.
