Microsoft is advancing its measures to combat computer game cheating with a new system known as Remote Attestation, designed to verify a player’s boot process and transmit confirmation data to Azure servers upon every startup. The feature is set to make its debut in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, utilising security technologies including Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and Virtualization-based Security (VBS).
Remote Attestation operates in conjunction with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) hardware to detect system anomalies, such as the insertion of modified drivers or software. Once the system’s integrity is verified, data is sent back to the cloud, allowing the game to confirm the machine’s trustworthiness. This approach is intended to reduce the likelihood of gamers using deep-embedded cheat p…
Microsoft is advancing its measures to combat computer game cheating with a new system known as Remote Attestation, designed to verify a player’s boot process and transmit confirmation data to Azure servers upon every startup. The feature is set to make its debut in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, utilising security technologies including Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and Virtualization-based Security (VBS).
Remote Attestation operates in conjunction with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) hardware to detect system anomalies, such as the insertion of modified drivers or software. Once the system’s integrity is verified, data is sent back to the cloud, allowing the game to confirm the machine’s trustworthiness. This approach is intended to reduce the likelihood of gamers using deep-embedded cheat programmes that can otherwise bypass operating system anti-cheat protocols.
Previously, protection relied heavily on kernel-level anti-cheat systems capable of accessing deep layers of the operating system. With visibility into nearly all user activities, these systems faced criticism regarding security and privacy risks. However, gamers were often forced to accept these terms to access titles. The introduction of Remote Attestation and VBS represents a shift towards reducing reliance on direct kernel-level access.
The requirement for the system to connect to servers upon every use has, however, raised privacy concerns among some users. There are apprehensions regarding the potential reporting of unrelated data, such as offline modding tools or machines running via Virtual Machines (VM), which could be flagged as irregularities.
The implementation will have a tangible impact on gamers. To access titles supporting this system, users must ensure their computers are equipped with TPM 2.0 and have both Secure Boot and VBS enabled; failure to do so could result in being blocked from the game. This will likely compel PC and motherboard manufacturers to enhance support for these technologies, potentially making them a mandatory requirement for future AAA games.
While the arrival of Remote Attestation reflects Microsoft’s intention to create a fairer online gaming society, it poses significant questions about whether strict security comes at the cost of user freedom. It remains to be seen whether Remote Attestation will become the new standard for PC gaming.
Source: xbox