A launcher is software that starts a game and often manages a game library, updates, authentication, and related services. In gaming ecosystems, the launcher is the trusted front door to the platform: it opens the game, checks for patches, and may store account sessions or download additional files.
That trust makes launchers a useful target in cyber attacks. Criminals can copy a launcher’s branding, send fake update prompts, or distribute malicious installers that look like official game clients. Users may be rushed into entering credentials or running a file because the launcher seems familiar. Defenses include downloading only from official sources, verifying publisher signatures when possible, keeping the launcher updated, and using multi-factor authentication for the connected account. In short, the launcher is both a convenience layer and a security boundary.