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Why Do Kernel-Level Cheats Exist in Video Games?
Modern operating systems have a way to protect memory, which means one program can’t mess with another’s memory. This is important for keeping things secure and stable.
However, cheats bypass these protections to change how games work. Kernel-level cheats have more permissions, so they can access and change game memory without being noticed by regular anti-cheat programs.
What Do Kernel-Level Anti-Cheat Programs Do?
Anti-cheat software also needs to work at the kernel level to catch these cheats. At this level, they can monitor the game’s memory and processes in detail.
This is necessary because cheats at the kernel level can avoid being detected by anti-cheat tools that only work at the user level.
What Is the Kernel Like in a Computer?
One Reddit user compared the kernel to a dictator. In this analogy, your computer is like a dictatorship with many organizations. One of these is the game, and others can’t see its secrets.
The kernel is the dictator who can see everything and tell all the organizations what to do. However, this only works for things on your computer. If the game runs on a server in another country, the kernel can’t control it.
The Never-Ending Battle Between Cheats and Anti-Cheat
Cheats and anti-cheat programs are in a constant race. At first, cheats worked at the user level, making it easier for anti-cheat software to find them. But as anti-cheat tools improved, cheats moved to the kernel level, forcing anti-cheat programs to do the same.
This back-and-forth is similar to how malware and antivirus programs constantly evolve to outsmart each other.
Problems with Kernel-Level Anti-Cheat Systems
Kernel-level anti-cheat programs bring some risks. They have deep access to your system, which could affect privacy and stability. If misused or poorly designed, they might cause problems.
Also, creating strong anti-cheat tools takes a lot of resources. Smaller games or single-player titles may not have the budget or need for these systems.
What About Games Without Anti-Cheat?
Single-player and open-source games often don’t use strict anti-cheat measures. Players can easily change game files or use tools to modify the game without much trouble.
In multiplayer games, though, skipping anti-cheat systems can make the game unfair and drive players away.
Conclusion
Kernel-level cheats take advantage of high-level permissions to change games without getting caught, making it harder for traditional anti-cheat systems to stop them.
While kernel-level anti-cheat tools help, they also raise concerns about privacy and system stability. This ongoing fight between cheat creators and developers shows how complex gaming technology and ethics can be.
Source: Reddit
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