How to install Modguard:

For better understanding, the MODGuard plugin is a key management system via DLL that is natively loaded by the game when placed in the plugins folder. This folder is provided by SCS so that developers can create add-ons for the game. Our system does not start with Windows, nor does it open on its own; the only way to activate MODGuard is when the game is launched, as it loads all plugins. In the game log, you may notice the following lines:

 

00:00:04.116 : loading 'MODGuard' 'D:/SteamLibrary/steamapps/common/American Truck Simulator/bin/win_x64/plugins/MODGuard.dll' 00:00:04.125 : unloaded 'MODGuard'

The plugin is loaded by the game, which provides the necessary instructions for it to function, and then it is immediately unloaded. When the game is closed, everything returns to its original state. Although it has been mentioned before, I would like to emphasize that we do not have access to any folders other than the MOD folder. Our system is designed exclusively to protect files against free leaks. Like many other modders, we are desperately trying to find a solution to this issue. I sincerely apologize to good players who have to deal with this and ask for your understanding regarding this inconvenience.

You can run our plugin through VirusTotal at any point and feel assured there is no viruses/trojans/spyware.  Furthermore you will also see that we had our plugin certified, which you can view at any time as well: Modguard Certificate 

We have an SSL certificate for our website and download website.  Modguard Plugin is protected with a CODE SIGNING certificate.  2 different things.