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Why are cracks and keygens considered viruses?

TsunaJima Posted messages 558 Status Member -  
Pierrecastor Posted messages 10830 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   -
Good evening,

I would like to know why cracks and keygens (which I only use when I have purchased the game/software/other, of course) are regularly considered viruses?

If we are 100% sure that the keygen does not contain a virus, why do antivirus programs consider it as such? Is it because it causes a modification in a directory that does not "belong" to it? If that's the case, why do FF or Chrome extensions not trigger the antivirus (they do change the character of the explorer, don't they)?

My question is not about whether or not I should click on a .exe, but just to understand a bit more about this specific point.

Thank you for your clarifications :)

4 answers

  1.
    Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
     
    Hi,

    Because they often have similar functions like file patches, etc.
    Sometimes they also have their own packers.
    So the antivirus with its somewhat crude generic detections doesn’t make a difference.

    Note that before, there were many fake sites that peddled viruses - see: https://forum.malekal.com/viewtopic.php?t=893&start=

    --
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    6
    1. TsunaJima Posted messages 558 Status Member 58
       
      Thank you very much for this response, it tells me a bit more, even though you use terms that I know too little. I will dig a little deeper. Thanks ;)
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    2. TsunaJima Posted messages 558 Status Member 58
       
      Malekal_morte, recently, while surfing the web with my iPhone, I noticed that I had downloaded a .apk file (I saw it in my notifications). Can it be that easy to get a virus this way (just by surfing on web pages)?
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    3. TsunaJima Posted messages 558 Status Member 58
       
      Ok sorry, I got my answer in the first two lines of your link.
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    4. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
       
      You definitely shouldn't open APKs that are sent to you.
      There's a good chance they are malware, yes.
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    5. TsunaJima Posted messages 558 Status Member 58
       
      If I remember correctly, the file name was written in my notifications but I didn't click on it. But in my opinion, it got installed... But I also installed Adblock on my smartphone, I don't know if it works well, but unlike at the beginning of my usage, I don't have ads everywhere, especially in notifications (which was honestly really annoying... the PlayStore should pay a bit more attention to the apps they accept).

      Do you happen to know a free but reliable antivirus like Avira that's available on Android?
      One more small question, how can I check if my Android is the latest version available? I have a Wiko Cink Five.
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