According to cybersecurity reports (e.g., from Red Canary or Sophos), 97% of cracks for professional audio software contain malware. The "Steinberg Activation Manager unlocker" is a prime vector for:
When you open Cubase, SAM checks a cryptographic signature stored on your hard drive against Steinberg’s servers. If the signature is valid, the software runs. If not, it enters "demonstration mode" (save disabled, audio cutouts).