Hogwarts Legacy is one of the biggest games of 2023, and in the cases of popular games like this the question around cracks that allow people to download and play the game for free is typically more "when" than "if." Engaging in piracy typically comes with certain risks, and many would-be pirates downloading files that claim to be cracked versions of a game, in this case the wildly successful Hogwarts Legacy, find themselves installing malicious software that does anything but enable them to play the game they were hoping for.
The more popular a game is, the more attractive it is for cybercriminals hoping to distribute their malware to unsuspecting gamers. Most big games have some sort of anti-tamper software, like the much-maligned Denuvo, that primarily serves to protect the software from hackers who would otherwise distribute illegitimate copies of the game.
Reports indicate that there are a number of scams and malwares beginning to surface online directly targeting those who are trying to find or download cracked copies of Hogwarts Legacy. One example allows players to download a zipped file that requires the user to unlock it via a key. To obtain the key, the user will be directed to take a survey, which will then require the entry of personal details as part of a "verification" process. Another dubious site allows the user to download a Hogwarts Legacy "setup" file that contains a trojan virus and adware which could also possibly be used to harvest user data.
It should go without saying that gamers who are hoping to play a game should do so through legitimate means, even if the intention is to enjoy the game without financially supporting it due to the controversy that has surrounded Hogwarts Legacy. Cybercriminals are quick to take advantage of unsuspecting users by any means necessary.
The allure of playing one of the latest and most popular games for free can be all too enticing to even those who are otherwise highly conscious of their cybersecurity. Hogwarts Legacy may not be the most affordable game for those on a budget, especially in a year that is shaping up to be one to remember, but the risks associated with malware and the significant effort it can take to rid an infected system of trojans will likely leave players hoping to enjoy AAA titles for free wishing they had bought it through an official channel instead.
Hogwarts Legacy is available for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S. It's in development for PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Source: Malwarebytes