GTA Online players on PC have recently been on edge, having discovered the presence of an exploit that enables hackers to not only change or modify their stats, but completely corrupt their accounts. It appears that PC players can jump back into the game without fear, however, as developer Rockstar Games has released a new patch (1.66) for the multiplayer mode of Grand Theft Auto V that renders the exploit ineffective, assisted by a new data protocol. The new patch also includes general stability improvements for GTA Online, which received a new content update in the form of Los Santos Drug Wars in December.
From a Rockstar Support document:
Security
- Implemented a new data protocol in GTA Online to improve the security of network sessions and player-to-player messaging
- Fixed an issue that could result in a player’s GTA Online experience being modified by a third party, including:
- altering GTA$ balance, RP level, Bad Sport status, and other player stats
- manipulation of players being kicked or crashed
Game Stability and Performance
- General stability improvements
#GTAOnline PC High Alert⚠️
— Tez2 (@TezFunz2) January 20, 2023
New extreme exploits have appeared allowing cheaters to remotely add/remove/modify your stats and permanently corrupt your account aka ban/delete.
Avoid playing without a firewall rule or playing at all!🚨
Thanks to @HarryGotTaken for notifying. pic.twitter.com/tyh4tCInML
From Rockstar Games:
Los Santos Drug Wars Now Available
The opening chapter in a mind-expanding new GTA Online story update featuring a ragtag crew of new arrivals with high hopes of dosing the world, getting rich, and climbing to the top of the Southern San Andreas criminal food chain. Now available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.