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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

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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

How it works

The solution integrates into existing anti-cheat environments through a layered defense model, combining kernel-level detection, server-side enforcement and post-build binary integration to help protect competitive gameplay with minimal operational complexity.

irdeto-video-games-denuvo-anti-cheat-kernel-anti-cheat-how-it-works

Specifications

  • OS: Windows 10/11.
  • Execution level: Kernel-mode protection.
  • Driver lifecycle: Runs only during gameplay.
  • Detection scope: Memory, drivers and low-level system manipulation.
  • Binary compatibility: Anl PE binary via rewriting tech.
  • Integration model: Post-build binary integration.
  • Proton support: Proton and Steam Deck.
  • Enforcement layer: Server-side detection, real-time response.
  • Performance validation: Tested before every release.

Case study

Profile

81 Ravens develops a cross-platform esports game and competition platform focused on expanding participation.

Challenge

Needed deeper player visibility to improve cheat detection and maintain competitive fairness across platforms.

Solution

Integrated Kernel Anti-Cheat for advanced player monitoring, with fast onboarding and responsive technical support.

Results

Achieved granular cheat detection and cross-platform deployment across Epic and Steam 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