The BIG Problem With Anti-Cheat
0 up · 0 down · 0 ratings
Promos
Learn through problem solving, and the first 200 people can save 20% today on Brilliant at brilliant.org Why is anti-cheat software causing so much controversy? Buy a Gaming PC On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us On B&H (PAID LINK): geni.us Leave a reply with your requests for future episodes, or tweet them here: twitter.com GET MERCH: lttstore.com SUPPORT US ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com LTX EXPO: ltxexpo.com AFFILIATES & REFERRALS --------------------------------------------------- Affiliates, Sponsors & Referrals: lmg.gg Get Private Internet Access VPN at lmg.gg Get a Displate Metal Print at lmg.gg Support a Creator code LINUSMEDIAGROUP on Epic Games Store: lmg.gg Get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime at lmg.gg Our Test Benches on Amazon: lmg.gg Our Production Gear: lmg.gg FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: @LinusTech Instagram: @linustech Twitch: twitch.tv FOLLOW OUR OTHER CHANNELS --------------------------------------------------- Linus Tech Tips: lmg.gg TechLinked: lmg.gg ShortCircuit: lmg.gg LMG Clips: lmg.gg Channel Super Fun: lmg.gg Carpool Critics: lmg.gg
The video analyzes why anti cheat software remains controversial despite its goal of preserving fair play in online games. It explains that many anti cheat systems operate as kernel level drivers, which run with high privileges and can interact with the core parts of the operating system. This design choice is meant to prevent cheats that also operate at a deep level, but it introduces significant risks to system stability and security. The presenter notes several real world examples, such as Easy Anti Cheat and Battle Eye, used by popular titles, and discusses how kernel level solutions can cause issues like blue screens, performance problems, and difficulties for legitimate software to operate normally. The Valorant Vanguard example is used to illustrate how always-on behavior and reboot requirements exacerbate user frustration, especially when legitimate programs are blocked or hardware is affected. The conclusion emphasizes that industry leaders like Valorant often set trends that propagate both benefits and downsides across gaming, and it invites viewers to think critically about how anti cheat should balance security, transparency, and user experience. The segment also plugs educational resources from Brilliant.org and encourages audience engagement for future topics.
Topics · technology · gaming · software
Questions answered
- Why do some anti cheat systems use kernel level drivers, and what are the risks?
- Kernel level drivers provide the highest privilege level to block cheats that operate at the lowest levels of the system, but they can compromise stability and security and may interfere with legitimate software.
- What are the specific concerns raised by Valorant's Vanguard anti cheat?
- Vanguard is always on, initially lacked an off switch, required reboot to restart after turning off, can block legitimate software and even cause blue screens, leading to user frustration and privacy concerns.