Riot Games Disables $6000 Hardware Cheats via Updated Anti-Cheat System Riot Games has deployed a new update to its Vanguard anti-cheat software, targeting hardware-based cheating devices used in competitive gaming. The update specifically blocks PCIe direct memory access (DMA) cards, which can cost up to $6000. These devices bypass game security systems by reading RAM data without operating system interference. The latest version of Vanguard detects such hardware modules and disables their connection through the hardware IOMMU function, a security feature designed to isolate peripheral devices from system memory. When the anti-cheat system identifies a rogue DMA card, it prevents the operating system from booting if the device is connected. Users must physically remove the card and reinstall the system to restore functionality. The cheating equipment becomes unusable in Riot Games’ titles, as the software effectively renders the devices ineffective. Riot Games representatives confirmed the method’s effectiveness, calling the blocked hardware “useless pieces of plastic worth $6000.” These DMA cards are often disguised as legitimate hardware, such as solid-state drives or network adapters, making them difficult to detect. The updated Vanguard software now analyzes firmware at the kernel level, identifying counterfeit digital signatures to distinguish between genuine and malicious components. While the system has successfully thwarted cheaters, some users have raised concerns about its potential to interfere with physical computer components, though no concrete incidents have been reported. The move underscores Riot Games’ commitment to maintaining fair play in its titles, particularly in games like League of Legends and Valorant, where competitive integrity is critical.#riot_games #vanguard #dma_cards #linux_kernel #competitive_gaming
