ModGuard Tutorial: Essential Security Mod for The Sims 4 Players
ModGuard is a protective mod for The Sims 4, developed by TwistedMexi in response to a wave of cyberattacks on mod creators' accounts. Attackers gained access to modders' accounts and replaced their files with versions containing viruses. ModGuard acts as a protective barrier, preventing malicious code from loading.
It's important to understand that this is a form of insurance for your game. As with any security system, there's always a chance that workarounds may emerge. Therefore, ModGuard should be used in conjunction with a cautious approach to downloading mods: verify your sources, be wary of sudden "updates" without detailed changelogs, watch out for fake accounts with similar names (you can read about where and how to safely download mods in our article via the link).
How does ModGuard work?
The mod performs several key functions:
- Blocks common methods of injecting viruses through modifications
- Tracks the source file of the threat, identifying which specific mod attempted to load suspicious content
- Alerts the user about the detected issue
- Relays information to the development team so that compromised modders' accounts can be promptly notified and infected files removed as quickly as possible
Thus, by installing ModGuard, you're not only protecting yourself but also helping the entire community by reducing the spread time of compromised files.
How to install ModGuard
1. Remove all previous versions of ModGuard from your Mods folder, if they're there
2. Download the current version only from official sources: for example, TwistedMexi's Patreon or the CurseForge page.
3. Unpack the archive
4. Drag the Tmex-ModGuard.ts4script file directly into the Mods folder (not into subfolders!)
Always check for updates and use the latest version of the mod.
ModGuard in-game
After installation and launching the game, a green notification will appear in the upper right corner of the screen, indicating that ModGuard is active and has begun monitoring your Mods folder.
This notification displays:
- The current version of the mod
- Information that the protection is working
- Links to the creator's website and Patreon for quick access
This notification confirms that everything is installed correctly and the protection is functioning.
During gameplay, ModGuard runs in the background, scanning mods for attempts to load executable files. If suspicious activity is detected, you'll receive a pop-up notification with a warning:
"ModGuard has blocked the following mod from attempting to load an executable file, which is typically a malicious attempt to download a virus. The file should be removed and immediately reported to the creator."
The notification will contain the name of the problematic mod. If the mod creator has a good reputation, their account was most likely compromised and their files replaced. In such cases, it's important to alert the modder about the issue.
Conflicts and important warnings
Do not use mods that are blocked by or conflict with ModGuard, even if a scan shows no malicious code in them. Removing ModGuard for the sake of using some other mod means losing protection against infected files.
Known incompatible mods:
fgeh – Pose Manager
- Triggers ModGuard
- File scans reveal no obvious threats, however using this mod will cause the game to halt due to ModGuard's protective function
- Not an essential tool, since pose management can be done manually
Choosing between this mod and ModGuard means choosing between convenience and protection from real threats
SYVR – SimsSweep
- Triggers ModGuard and may conflict with it
- Questionable verification system: SimsSweep has a similar function to ModGuard for checking script files for malware, but it can be bypassed through a user reporting system. If several players mark a file as safe, the scan is disabled, and it's unclear whether human verification of such reports' accuracy is conducted.
- False claims about reading crash logs: The author claims the mod can "read" game crash logs, however in reality only EA can properly interpret this data.
- Incorrect error code mapping: SimsSweep claims to be able to match error codes to specific causes, but in reality many codes have multiple possible causes that can change from patch to patch. There are likely other functions it cannot perform properly as well.
- Registration requirement: No mod management tool should require registration. There's no reason to pay money for mod management, especially when free alternatives exist.
- Lack of creator expertise: This complex tool was created by someone who had previously only made a few very simple non-script mods. The creator has no authority in working with script files, custom content, or mod support.
