lazyazzninja

[lazyazzninja]

⚠️ ADVISORY: Malicious Mods, Identity Theft, Malware, and You ⚠️

Hey, all! Not sure how many people will see this, but if you do, please reblog. This is a 'little' post regarding a potentially big problem affecting the Sims 4 community. If you download mods/CC at all (and yes I know CC is a type of mod), this applies to you.

TL;DR: For the sake of your personal info, identity, bank account, et cetera, please STOP downloading any mods/CC for the time being. Especially from the following sites: CurseForge, ModTheSims, The Sims Resource. It doesn't matter if you know the creator or not. Give it at least a week while we all figure out what's going on. If you must, I would recommend only downloading directly from a creator's Patreon (assuming they have one).

Other people have written at length about the mods in question, so I'll just share their posts below.

What's going on?

From the Sims 4 After Dark Discord server (a server you should join if you're not in it already):

⚠️If you downloaded any mod listed in the above post and played the game with them installed, this is the cleaner program Kuttoe (creator of the Home Regions and Townie Demographics mods) mentioned in their post: GitHub - overwolf/sims4-social-events-cleaner: Source files and exe release for a tool to clean up your machine if you have downloaded the "Social Events - Unlimited Time" Sims 4 mod ⚠️

Got confirmation from Kuttoe that as long as you didn't boot up the game with the malicious mods installed (or deleted them completely from your computer before playing the game), you *should* be fine. Still, I recommend that anyone who thinks they might have downloaded any of them run the cleaner program.

Here's an explanation from @anadius2 (reposted by Kuttoe) in the Sims 4 After Dark server (not providing a link to prevent brigading or spam, but you can DM me and I'll give you the link) about what the malware will do to your computer:

And a little dive into the back-end coding stuff for the more tech-savvy Simmers out there:

So, to recap:

Fake mods were uploaded to Curseforge, ModTheSims, and The Sims Resource

@msqsimsofficial had their account compromised on 2 of those sites (they are a victim of hacking, so do not send them hate!)

If downloaded, these malicious mods have the ability to steal very sensitive info (your passwords, credit card info if saved somewhere in your browser, data)

As of right now, antivirus software may not be able to detect the malware

Mac and Linux users seem to be safe; Windows users are the ones that could be affected

Why is this happening?

Unsure. Lots of theories are being made by people far more knowledgeable than me, but from the looks of things, could be crypto bullshit and/or an attempt to steal your data and sell it. This is very, very serious, and could wreck your life if said data/personal info falls into the wrong hands.

Identity Theft: What It Is, How to Prevent It, Warning Signs and Tips - NerdWallet

It's always a good idea to change passwords every couple of months or so, but if you think you've been affected, you also need to change your passwords for things like online banking, email and social media accounts, healthcare sites AFTER running the cleaner.

What now?

I want to talk about how we approach modding our games and downloading files in general.

Please STOP downloading mod file folders from people who did not create the specific mods. Period. This includes Sim dumps, building/lots with CC, mod folders promoted on YouTube, etc. This does not mean that anyone sharing them is doing so maliciously. In fact, I appreciate the amount of effort people put into compiling these resources! But unless you're super careful (and super knowledgeable), you run the risk of downloading malware like this on your computer. Make no mistake, the malicious files in question look like run-of-the-mill, everyday mods. Two of them were even posted from a trustworthy creator's actual account! The only way to know what they actually do is to peek into the code, and idk about you, but I don't know Python. So even after this issue is resolved, you really should only download files from the creators themselves.

But what about CC shopping?

Here's how I like to approach it: I stick to lookbooks and combing through the Patreons/accounts of creators who make items I like. If I see a Sim dump with CC that I'm interested, I try to reach out to the poster and ask where they got specific CC. If I can't do that, I see if it was shared via Drive, look at the individual files themselves, then head to the original CC creator's official download page and get it from the source.

That's all I have for you! Stay safe, and happy Simming! 🫶🏾

[lazyazzninja]

You can’t just try one thing at a place like this. Another spot that I had been wanting to try is @dosrestaurant . Chicken Verde tacos and Pork Carnitas tacos immediately caught my eye. The chicken was topped with Crema, lettuce, and queso fresco. The pork featured guacamole, onion, and cilantro. Both tacos really hit the spot. The chicken was juicy and the pork crispy. Quite flavorful as well. I need to check out their flagship restaurant. #foodphotography #yum #foodporn #dosurbancantina #timeoutmarketchicago #timeoutchicago #timeout #foodie #foodies #fabfoodchicago #foodiesofinstagram #taco #tacos #chicken #porkcarnitas #pork #letstacoboutit #foodstagram #chicagoeats #chicagofoodauthority #chicagofood #chicagofoodscene #eaterchicago #chicagofoodie #adventure #adventuretime #saturdaysareforadventures (at Time Out Market Chicago) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8XBWeuJ7fA/?igshid=7eknzvxhpifj

[lazyazzninja]

For quite sometime I’ve heard the legend of the @eatmottst Mott Burger. Hailed as being not just one of the best burgers in Chicago, but in the nation. I’ve been wanting to try it for a long time and with @eatminimott on the scene this seemed like the perfect opportunity. Layered with melted American cheese, hoisin aioli, pickled jalapeños, miso butter, pickles, sautéed onions, and sweet-potato straws. Crispy, gooey, tangy, sweet, spicy, and squishy. This burger does all kinds of things and his bursting with a plethora of flavors. One of the best burgers that I’ve ever had. #foodphotography #yum #foodporn #timeoutchicago #timeoutmarketchicago #timeout #asianfusion #burger #cheeseburger #saturdaylunch #chicagoeats #chicagofoodfanatic #eaterchicago #foodie #foodies #foodiegram #chisbest #chicagofoodgoals #foodstagram #chicagofoodauthority #chicagofood #fabfoodchicago #chicagofoodscene #foodblogger #bobsburgers #gothamburgersocialclub #foodiesofinstagram #lunchtime #saturdaysareforadventures (at Time Out Market Chicago) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Vh5e8pVZ6/?igshid=1qyfvucoiokrb

[lazyazzninja]

I went on an adventure today to @timeoutchicago for the first time. Numerous Chicago eateries to choose from under one roof. It was hard to decide what to try. What to drink was a much simpler choice. Unicorn Time Machine Session IPA by @pipeworksbrewing in a collaboration with @timeoutchicago. The nose features big lime, along with lemon peel, mango, and light floral hops. Flavors of mango, orange peel, lime, some grapefruit, bready malt, and resinous pine. It finishes with moderate hoppy bitterness. It's pretty decent session ale to sip on while hanging with friends. 4.8% ABV. #beer #yum #drinks #pipeworksbrewing #pipeworks #pipeworksbrewingco #unicorntimemachine #timeoutmarket #timeoutmarketchicago #timeout #timeoutchicago #beerstagram #beersofinstagram #ipa #indiapaleale #sessionipa #thebeernation #craftbeer #beersnob #beergeek #craftbeernation #craftbeernotcrapbeer #chicagodrinks #drinklocal #ilikemybeercrafty #theresabeveragehereman #saturdaysareforadventures (at Time Out Market Chicago) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8VfaLipX5S/?igshid=1t6vvvizrrtjv

[lazyazzninja]

A lil’ Sumpin Easy on a lazy Sunday. Aroma of citrus with floral notes mixed in. Citrus flavors of grapefruit, lemon, and orange with enough maltiness to keep it together and smooth. Assertive bitterness with a slight alcohol bite in the finish. A pretty refreshing American Pale Ale. 5.7% ABV. #beer #yum #drinks #sumpineasy #lagunitasbrewing #sumpineasyale #americanpaleale #lagunitas #lagunitasbrewingcompany #lagunitasbeer #lagunitasbrewery #lagunitaschicago #beerstagram #thebeernation #beersofinstagram #chicagodrinks #drinklocal #craftbeer #craftbeernation #beersnob #beergeek #ilikemybeercrafty #craftbeernotcrapbeer #theresabeveragehereman #sundayfunday #lazysunday https://www.instagram.com/p/B5RabGDlyq7/?igshid=ul2xmxdpz7oh

[lazyazzninja]

A final drink to cap off my NY adventure. Road 2 Ruin Double IPA by @tworoadsbrewing . Scent of citrus and hops. Flavors of citrus hops and a decent, sweet, grain with a slight piney hop afternote. Rather light-bodied for a double IPA, but easy drinking and good carbonation. Pretty good beer overall! 8% ABV. #beer #yum #drinks #barblue #algonquinhotel #tworoadsbrewing #tworoadsbrewery #road2ruin #road2ruindoubleipa #beerstagram #beersofinstagram #craftbeer #craftbeernotcrapbeer #thebeernation #craftbeernation #thebeerhunter #eaterny #eaternyc #nycfood #nycdrinks #saynotoordinarybeer #drinklocal #nyfoodie #foodblogger #nycfoodie #newyorkstateofmind #vacation (at Blue Bar at the Algonquin Hotel) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ZNiM4FWtc/?igshid=1rdqg1k7k4p92

[lazyazzninja]

Hectic IPA by @harlembluebeer 6.2% ABV. #beer #yum #drinks #5napkinburger #5napkin #harlemblue #hecticipa #beerstagram #beersofinstagram #craftbeer #craftbeernotcrapbeer #thebeernation #craftbeernation #thebeerhunter #eaterny #eaternyc #nycfood #nycdrinks #saynotoordinarybeer #drinklocal #nyfoodie #foodblogger #nycfoodie #newyorkstateofmind #vacation (at 5 Napkin Burger) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Qm1mqlE2k/?igshid=1hxydyopollhh

[lazyazzninja]

The Empire State Building #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #nycphotographer #art #nycshots #mynewyork #adventure #empirestatebldg #empirestate #empirestatebuilding #landmark #landmarks #awesome #dope #adventuretime #nyphotographer #thingsisee #vacation #vacationmode #newyorknewyork #newyorkstateofmind (at Empire State Building) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Qhbh7FMVt/?igshid=1o83yy84tm90j

[lazyazzninja]

Radio City Music Hall #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #nycphotographer #art #nycshots #mynewyork #adventure #radiocitymusichall #radiocity #avenueofamericas #landmark #landmarks #awesome #dope #adventuretime #nyphotographer #thingsisee #vacation #vacationmode #newyorknewyork #newyorkstateofmind (at Radio City Music Hall) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4QggqMFR_r/?igshid=1iq046bdeosi7

[lazyazzninja]

The Statue of Liberty #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #nycphotographer #art #nycshots #mynewyork #adventure #libertyisland #liberty #landmark #landmarks #america #statueofliberty #ladyliberty #awesome #dope #adventuretime #nyphotographer #thingsisee #vacation #vacationmode #newyorknewyork #newyorkstateofmind (at Statue of Liberty National Monument) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4QfuqcFUed/?igshid=70tpjjoh9wgi

[lazyazzninja]

The Brooklyn Bridge #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #nycphotographer #art #nycshots #mynewyork #adventure #brooklynbridge #brooklyn #landmarks #landmark #bridgesofinstagram #bridges #architecturephotography #architecture #awesome #dope #adventuretime #nyphotographer #thingsisee #vacation #vacationmode #newyorknewyork #newyorkstateofmind (at Brooklyn Bridge) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Qe7erF9jz/?igshid=8on7iroqy7ad

[lazyazzninja]

Dunder Mifflin is under new management. Let’s begin a new reign of terror. #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #nycphotographer #art #nycshots #mynewyork #adventure #rockafellercenter #management #dundermifflinpapercompany #dundermifflin #theoffice #michaelscott #awesome #dope #adventuretime #nyphotographer #thingsisee #vacation #vacationmode #newyorknewyork #newyorkstateofmind (at NBC Studios Rockefeller Centre) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4QehpIFm0g/?igshid=1cp242s7wftee

[lazyazzninja]

One of the highlights of my adventure was seeing an awesomely decked-out Back to the Future Delorean and even got to sit in it. One more thing checked off my bucket list. #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #nycphotographer #art #nycshots #mynewyork #adventure #timessquare #timesquare #delorean #deloreantimemachine #timemachine #backtothefuture #docbrown #martymcfly #awesome #dope #adventuretime #nyphotographer #thingsisee #vacation #vacationmode #newyorknewyork #newyorkstateofmind (at Times Square, New York City) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4QTqWQlUOO/?igshid=hq61jxlu1li0

[lazyazzninja]

B52 Lipstick Bomber by Wolf Vostell created in 1968 #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #nycphotographer #art #nycshots #mynewyork #adventure #museumofmodernart #moma #vostell #wolfvostell #b52lipstick #workofart #masterpiece #painting #art #awesome #dope #adventuretime #nyphotographer #thingsisee #vacation #vacationmode #newyorknewyork #newyorkstateofmind (at MoMA The Museum of Modern Art) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4QSQAbFHgC/?igshid=6ylzxadvl8i0

[lazyazzninja]

Christ’s Entry into Journalism by Kara Walker created in 2017 #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #nycphotographer #art #nycshots #mynewyork #adventure #museumofmodernart #moma #walker #karawalkerart #karawalker #christsentryintojournalism #workofart #masterpiece #painting #art #awesome #dope #adventuretime #nyphotographer #thingsisee #vacation #vacationmode #newyorknewyork #newyorkstateofmind (at MoMA The Museum of Modern Art) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4QRcZjFYGg/?igshid=97qle8l4766i

[lazyazzninja]

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Untitled by Keith Haring created in 1982 #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #nycphotographer #art #nycshots #mynewyork #adventure #museumofmodernart #moma #haring #keithharing #untitled #workofart #masterpiece #painting #art #awesome #dope #adventuretime #nyphotographer #thingsisee #vacation #vacationmode #newyorknewyork #newyorkstateofmind (at MoMA The Museum of Modern Art) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4QQwOxFOU8/?igshid=1ef9shx0yzard

[lazyazzninja]

American People Series #20: Die by Faith Ringgold painted in 1967 #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #nycphotographer #art #nycshots #mynewyork #adventure #museumofmodernart #moma #ringgold #faithringgold #americanpeopleseries #workofart #masterpiece #painting #art #awesome #dope #adventuretime #nyphotographer #thingsisee #vacation #vacationmode #newyorknewyork #newyorkstateofmind (at MoMA The Museum of Modern Art) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4QQjxTFU65/?igshid=1t2rskvysvvmb