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irdeto-video-games-denuvo-anti-cheat-kernel-anti-cheat

Video games / Denuvo Anti-Cheat

Kernel Anti-Cheat

Kernel Anti-Cheat is a powerful security solution that delivers superior detection, effectively stopping sophisticated low-level cheats and protecting competitive integrity.

As online and esports titles continue to scale, low-level cheats have become more sophisticated, operating beneath user-mode defenses to avoid detection. Kernel Anti-Cheat addresses this challenge by identifying system-level manipulation techniques, helping publishers protect fair competition, maintain player confidence and support sustained engagement and long-term revenue.

Benefits

Ensure fair competition

Maintain a level playing field where outcomes reflect skill, strategy and effort

Increase player retention

Reduce cheating-driven frustration that causes honest players to disengage

Direct access to human experts

Speak directly with real people, not just interact through a ticketing system

Safeguard revenue streams

Encourage ongoing player investment by protecting competitive gameplay integrity

Raise cheat barriers

Increase cost and complexity for cheat developers using low-level techniques

Reduce operational costs

Automated detection minimizes manual investigations and support workload

Proven results

4.8M+

cheat detection events tracked

87K+

cheating instances sanctioned

17M+

unique users supported

758K+

binaries protected

Certifications and recognition

irdeto-video-games-ey-certificate

Certified against
ISO/IEC 9001:2015 by EY CertifyPoint
Certificate No: 2020-016

irdeto-video-games-ey-certificate

Certified against
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 by EY CertifyPoint
Certificate No: 2020-017

Key features

Kernel-level detection

Monitor low-level system activity beyond the reach of user-mode cheats

Deep-system visibility

Observe core functions, including memory and drivers, more comprehensively

Effective cheat disruption

Detect sophisticated cheats designed to evade conventional anti-cheat methods

Evidence-based enforcement

Support confident sanctioning with auditable technical evidence

Layered defense model

Complement user-mode and behavioral anti-cheat solutions

Expert-led operations

Backed by experienced specialists with fast response and 24/7 support

Specifications

  • Operating systems: Windows 10 and Windows 11.
  • Execution level: Kernel-mode operation during protected gameplay.
  • Driver lifecycle: Activated on game launch, stopped on exit.
  • Detection scope: Memory, drivers and low-level system manipulation.
  • Binary compatibility: Any PE binary supported via rewriting technology.
  • Integration model: Post-build binary-level integration.
  • Proton support: Compatible with Proton and Steam Deck.
  • Enforcement layer: Server-side detection and real-time response.
  • Performance validation: Extensively tested before each production release.

Case study

Profile

81 Ravens: Developer of a cross-platform esports game and competition platform designed to expand participation across the esports ecosystem.

Challenge

As a cross-platform esports platform, 81 Ravens required deeper visibility into player behavior to support effective cheat detection and long-term competitive fairness.

Solution

81 Ravens integrated Kernel Anti-Cheat to gain deeper insight into player activity and enable precise detection and handling of cheaters across platforms, supported by fast implementation guidance and responsive expert support.

Results

The integration enabled granular cheat detection and successful cross-platform deployment, with Kernel Anti-Cheat adapted for Epic and Steam environments within three days.

“Denuvo by Irdeto’s fast responses and courteous treatment, along with clear and understandable implementation instructions, were commendable.”

Hiroki Sawa, Engineer at 81 Ravens

Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kernel Anti-Cheat affect performance?

Extensive testing with customers shows no noticeable gameplay impact, with each release validated against strict performance thresholds before deployment.

Does the driver always run?

No. The kernel driver runs only while the protected game is active.

How does it integrate with other anti-cheat layers?

It complements user-mode and behavioral anti-cheat systems.

How long does integration take?

Integration typically completes in less than one day.

Related resources

Explore these expert insights to guide your next move

irdeto-video-games-products-cta

Protect fair play at scale

Detect evolving cheats, secure game code and disrupt cheat networks. Connect with our team to explore scalable anti cheat protection for competitive gameplay.

Talk to an expert