Is CurseForge Safe? Examining Cybersecurity and Risk Management

What is CurseForge?

CurseForge is a big website where you can find mods for many popular games like World of Warcraft, Stardew Valley, and Minecraft. It has over 500,000 mods available. It used to be owned by Twitch, but now it’s run by the Overwolf development platform. You can use CurseForge to find and download mods through the website or a desktop app.

Is CurseForge Safe to Use?

Many people think CurseForge is a safe and trusted place for game mods. The site has a large community of gamers and modders. It also offers a desktop app to make browsing easier. Mods on CurseForge go through automated checks and manual reviews to try to prevent malware.

But even with these security measures, CurseForge is a site with user-generated content. This means there’s always a risk of malware being uploaded by bad actors. There have been problems in the past, including malware in some mods. The most notable issue was with a malware called Fractureiser.

What Was the Cybersecurity Incident Related to CurseForge?

In July 2023, there was a major cybersecurity issue with CurseForge. Malware was found in several popular Minecraft mods that users downloaded from CurseForge and another site called Bukkit. This malware, known as Fractureiser, could compromise systems, steal login information, and spread to other mods or software.

Even though CurseForge acted quickly to remove the malware and warn users, Fractureiser ended up infecting over 6,000 computers. This caused data breaches, unauthorized access to accounts, and system problems. The incident showed that CDN sites like CurseForge need stronger security measures.

CurseForge worked with security experts and the modding community to deal with the threat. Their efforts helped reduce the damage to users.

What Were the Dangers of Downloading Infected Files from CurseForge?

Downloading infected files from CurseForge posed serious risks. The Fractureiser malware could hide in Minecraft’s Java files (called JAR files). It could steal cookies, hijack browser sessions, and grab sensitive data. The malware could also steal system data, allow remote access for malicious users, slow down the system, and change settings.

Getting infected with Fractureiser could lead to online gaming risks, identity theft, financial loss, and losing control of your accounts.

Is CurseForge Still Compromised?

After the Fractureiser incident, CurseForge took extra steps to improve security and reduce future risks. The site has been open about its efforts to make the platform safer through social media and its support page.

However, some users on community forums still report finding infected files on CurseForge. This means that even now, you should be careful when downloading files, even from sources that seem trustworthy.

How to Stay Safe on CurseForge

To stay safe on CurseForge, or any other site, you should be cautious. Here are some steps to protect yourself from malware:

1. Review and Update Mods Carefully: Keep your mods updated, but check the update notes carefully to avoid downloading malware.
2. Read Reviews: Look at reviews from reliable sources before downloading any mods. The modding community often provides detailed feedback.
3. Scan Files for Viruses: Use antivirus tools to scan downloaded files before opening them. This can help catch any malware.
4. Download from Trusted Sources: Get mods from official or well-known sites. Even then, be cautious—check reviews and scan files.
5. Use a VPN: A VPN helps protect your online activity. Services like OhioVPN can scan files for malware and block access to harmful websites. A VPN can also protect your Minecraft server from unwanted attention.

Online security starts with careful choices. Stay safe with trusted tools and practices.