What is Zipmod and Can It Potentially Contain Viruses?

[joe_Yang]

As stated in the title, I have recently started playing this game and have installed the HF Patch. However, I have noticed that many character cards require an additional installation of something called zipmod. I would like to confirm the purpose of this thing. I only know that after downloading it, I need to place it in the mod folder, but I have no understanding of its intended use. The key question is whether this thing could potentially contain a virus. Thank you.

[Mackenzie]

Just download ones from known koikatsu mod download sites and you should be fine.

[joe_Yang]

Originally posted by Mackenzie:

Just download ones from known koikatsu mod download sites and you should be fine.

What are considered as known websites? Currently, most of what I see are from Pixiv, and they provide a Mega link.

[Mackenzie]

Pixiv is trusted, yes. I haven't heard of anyone getting a virus from a koikatsu zipmod though, if that helps.

[Jehuty]

.zipmod files are merely thextures and 3d models for the game, so the game don't execute instructions from them (so they can't be used to spread viruses).

Anyway if they still would contain something malicious somehow all pixiv users would write about it in comments under the link and would demand to ban such user from pixiv.

[Sex]

Originally posted by AGT_ZURU:

Just make sure that you've got a Good Anti-Virus Software, and you should be good.

MalwareBytes (PAID) will provide Real-Time Protection, and will prevent the Loading of Pages, or the Downloading of Malicious Content. Even in cases where the File Type is something strange like ZIPMOD Format.

MalwareBytes (FREE) will be able to properly Scan the ZIPMOD Format, so as long as you Scan your Downloads once they're finished, you'll be fine.



In short, there are not many people attempting to Infect ZIPMOD Format Files, and thus, the Risk is very Low. Not entirely impossible, but Hackers usually fall into several categories. These include the Big Pay Day Types, who find Exploits, and try to Infect as many Systems as they can. There are the Niche Types, who are usually doing stuff for a laugh, or to prove a point. Then there are the Targeting Types, who will specifically target a single Target, or small Group.

You 'should' be relatively safe, just make sure that you have an Anti Virus Software installed, and Scan your Downloaded Files. The only way a ZIPMOD Format File is going to be infected, is if it's not actually a ZIPMOD Format File, but just Renamed to look like one.



Can a ZIPMOD File contain a Virus?
Yes, as with absolutely ALL File Types.

Is there a High Likelihood of a ZIPMOD File containing a Virus?
No, the likelihood is very insignificant. Standard Precautions are sufficient to prevent Infection.

Notes:
Any Anti-Virus Software that has Real-Time Website Scanning will be enough to help avoid the dodgy Sites. If you're looking at getting and using MOD's anyway, you want a VPN Service, as the HF Patch will require a Torrent Download. Make sure you have a VPN, and make sure you have an Anti-Virus Software.

Recommended:
MalwareBytes VPN and Anti-Virus Combined Package is your best choice, if you've got the money for it. It's on Offer frequently, so if you've just missed an Offer period, just wait for August's Back To School Sale.

Second Best (Low Income):
AVG (FREE), and FastestVPN (Lifetime Licence). This is for those on a limited Budget, as AVG will provide some Real-Time Protection (FREE), and has a good enough Scanner. As for the VPN Services of FastestVPN (yes, that's seriously what they are called), they are sufficient enough, and provide a Decent Speed on their Servers. Their Servers are Capped at 500Mb/s, but many Consumers won't have a 1Gb/s Connection like myself anyway, so you won't notice it. Besides, Torrent Downloading of HF-Patch may take a while anyway.

Just make sure realtime protection is on in windows defender and thats all youll ever realistically need.

[Angelsoul1989]

If you want to check if it's a virus, just go to VirusTotal.com and upload it there. It should check and see if it's malware at all or a virus might be able to help you out.

[SmokeOfC]

the modding plugin responsible for zipmods lack functionality to execute arbitrary code from zipmod files. (It's open source, just google BepisPlugins and take a peek at the code if it tickles your interest) It's just zips with unity3d files, png files etc. cosmetic stuff (You can actually open them with winrar, 7zip or whathaveyou and look for yourself) If it wants to do anything with code, it needs a plugin (dll). So no, there should be no way to execute code from them, thus they should be safe in that aspect.

Some may cause massive problems in game though, but if you notice a zipmod causing in game problems, just remove it.

[Clone303]

you know you can open them and see what is in them, if you remove mod from it then it's just zip file