I understand that sharing video, photos, documents etc. is relatively safe because the data is not executed in the processor as instructions. How come people are willing to download and install pirated software though? How can one be confident that it does not contain malicious addons? Are people just don’t know the risks? Or are there protection mechanisms that I am missing? I mean since the software is usually cracked there is not much use in comparing checksums with the originals, is it?

    • nestEggParrot@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
      6·
      11 months ago

      And have something worth loosing on gheir PC. Many professional software users using cracks may worry of losing their work files which could be easily backed up.

      As long as they dont have their financials or personal information thats worth stealing, the cost saving of the pirated software is worth infection, which at max needs a fresh install.

    • chicken@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      2·
      11 months ago

      I have a two PC setup, I treat the windows one with the pirated software as always potentially infected so the potential damage is limited. It’s probably not infected though, I do take the most basic precautions and haven’t had issues with malware for many years.