Forum Discussion

3 years ago

Solved

Introducing the EA Anti-cheat (EAAC)

Source: https://www.ea.com/security/amp/news/eaac-deep-dive

EA Anti-cheat or EAAC uses kernel-level access just like what they’re doing with Valorant. According to EA’s press release, this will be available on all online PC games starting with FIFA 23. No info if it’s gonna be available for past games like Apex.

“Why is kernel level anti-cheat needed?

This varies on a game-by-game basis. For games that are highly competitive and contain many online modes like FIFA 23, kernel-mode protection is absolutely vital. When cheat programs operate in kernel space, they can make their cheat functionally invisible to anti-cheat solutions that live in user-mode. Unfortunately, the last few years have seen a large increase in cheats and cheat techniques operating in kernel-mode, so the only reliable way to detect and block these is to have our anti-cheat operate there as well.

With FIFA 23, we’ll see new and exciting cross-play features. In addition to EAAC protecting our PC players from cheaters, our console players who match with PC opponents will also be protected from cheaters operating on PC platforms. “

Apex Legends/Respawn introduced a new anti-cheat software 2 months ago ( https://answers.ea.com/t5/General-Discussion/Respawn-secretly-investing-more-in-anti-cheat-software/m-p/11664605#M214187 ) as well with Hyperion. Valorant’s kernel-level anti-cheat while better than most anti-cheat softwares, can still have cheats. To clarify, EAAC is just for PC.

Do you think this a good step to stop at least the basic level cheaters? Some are arguing kernel level access is too invasive.

discussion

XHelperZ
3 years ago
Kernel level access is pretty much becoming a standard now.
There's not much that can be done against cheaters nowadays, this is IMO the best step to take.
Good to see them taking some major steps against cheaters.

18 Replies

LaughingSharko
3 years ago
The main question I ask myself, knowing the huge impact on my gaming laptop any kernel bugs could introduce (including permanently bricking it, causing it to overheat, etc.), is whether EA has a good track record in putting quality assurance and their customers ahead of profits. For me, the answer is clear. Not everyone will share my cynical viewpoint, of course, but my laptop is more valuable to me than a f2p video game I've invested maybe $100 on.
LaughingSharko
3 years ago
@pandareno1999 If there's anything that Diablo Immortal Infinite Inescapble's monetization has shown, it's that nothing video game developers do (outside of NFTs, possibly) can affect their popularity anymore.
pandareno1999
Hero+
3 years ago
While I saw a lot of complaints about Valorant's kernel level AC, it certainly doesn't seem to have affected its popularity very much.
swift07
3 years ago
@Cheese9Man This is what they did (kernel level anticheat) on Warzone and I have to say, it did help. Although, it didn't completely eradicate the problem.
LaughingSharko
3 years ago
@Cheese9Man https://kotaku.com/valorant-pc-game-windows-11-tpm-riot-games-1849418919

This is an interesting and related read.
LaughingSharko
3 years ago
Considering this is the main reason I refuse to play Valorant, it looks like my Apex days may soon be coming to an end. Giving third-party programs access to your kernel doesn't sit well with me, especially considering these businesses have been hacked before.
BigMacAttack8u
Seasoned Ace
3 years ago
@Cheese9Man I’m very happy that they are actually working to combat cheaters, but I would love to see a little more in the form of detecting strike packs, which are very well hidden, all to easy to get your hands on. Happy with the step in the right direction tho.
XHelperZ
Hero+
3 years ago
Kernel level access is pretty much becoming a standard now.
There's not much that can be done against cheaters nowadays, this is IMO the best step to take.
Good to see them taking some major steps against cheaters.