Security & Verification
Every file we reference is documented with source links, SHA-256 hashes, and VirusTotal data when available. This hub explains how verification works and what its limits are.
Our approach to security
We do not claim that any file is "100% safe" or "virus-free". Those claims cannot be proven — only falsified. Instead, we provide verifiable data: the file's SHA-256 hash, its size, its source location, and its VirusTotal report where available. We also document the limitations of automated scanning, because a low detection count is not the same as safety.
Security Guides
Verification Methodology
How files are selected, sourced, and verified. What we check and what we do not.
Hash Verification
Step-by-step guide for verifying SHA-256 hashes on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Reading VirusTotal Reports
Why detection counts are misleading, how false positives work, and what to look for instead.
Report an Issue
How to report suspicious files, broken links, or incorrect data on this site.
Trust Principles
Verified Data Only
Every claim on this site is linked to a public source: GitHub repository, official site, or release notes. We do not publish data we cannot source.
Last-Checked Timestamps
Status labels, version support, and file metadata all carry a last-checked date. Older dates indicate data that may not reflect the current state.
Explicit Limitations
We document what verification cannot prove. A clean VirusTotal report does not mean a file is safe. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.
Source Transparency
Every file entry links to its origin. Users can inspect the source directly instead of trusting our summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to download clients from MC-Cheats?
We do not host or distribute client files. Our pages provide download links to files hosted on our own servers for archival purposes. We verify the hash and check VirusTotal data, but the ultimate decision to run any file is yours. Always verify the SHA-256 hash before running.
Can I trust a "0 detections" result on VirusTotal?
No. A zero-detection result means no antivirus engine on VirusTotal flagged the file at the time of scanning. It does not mean the file is safe. New malware can evade detection, and some engines produce false negatives. Read our full explanation in Reading VirusTotal Reports.
What if a file has detections?
Not all detections are real. Some antivirus engines flag known Java mods as false positives. Check the VirusTotal report for which engines flagged the file. If a major engine like Microsoft or Kaspersky flags the file, treat it as suspicious. If only obscure engines flag it, it is more likely a false positive.
How do I report a suspicious file?
Use the report issue page to submit details. Include the file's SHA-256 hash, the page where you found it, and any evidence you have.
Do you have an editorial policy?
Yes. See our editorial policy for how entries are selected, how data is verified, and how corrections are handled.
Verify Before You Run
Learn how to check SHA-256 hashes on your system.
Hash Verification Guide