Hacking Quick questions regarding .cia validity and online play

[ArtemisM]

What's the rules for installed .cia files (not obtained from my own copy) and online play? Is it possible? Is it safe?

And how do I discern which .cia files have valid signatures versus those that do not?

The info that I've gleaned from parts explored have left me with a less-than-substantial answer

 

[Tony_93]

It is safe to play online with any cia, legit or no legit, yours or not yours, downloaded illegally or not, you are golden to do as you please online. They use your console ID to get online so you aren't bound to worry in things like headers and bans.

Difference between legit vs non-legit?

Legit cias can be played without a CFW, that's because they have unique keys that make them play in any 3DS (of your region of course) as long as they are installed, they are not bound to any account because these are games that come pre-installed in console bundles so use those special keys.

Non legit cias need to be in CFW mode to be played at all times.

 

[ArtemisM]

Thanks for the quick reply. Moderator can close the topic if they wish.