The Vanguard Incident

Ryscu
14 May 202408:10

TLDRThe video discusses the controversial introduction of Riot's kernel-level anti-cheat system, Vanguard, into League of Legends. The host addresses concerns about Vanguard's impact on PC performance, its access to user data, and potential risks. Through tests, it's shown that Vanguard doesn't significantly affect FPS. The video explains that Vanguard requires certain prerequisites to run and, while it can be bypassed on the client side, server-side checks prevent gameplay without it. Using Wireshark, the host demonstrates that Vanguard doesn't send data until the League of Legends client is open. Despite initial fears, custom skins remain unaffected, and no bans have been reported. However, Linux users face issues, and Windows 11 users with TPM 2.0 may encounter technical difficulties. The video concludes that while Vanguard is invasive, it's not as harmful as some believe, given its role in detecting cheats that infiltrate the game's memory at the kernel level.

Takeaways

  • 🚀 Introduction of Riot's Vanguard anti-cheat system into League of Legends has raised concerns due to its extensive access to users' PCs.
  • 🔍 Vanguard's impact on game performance is not significant; FPS remains consistent with or without Vanguard, based on isolated tests.
  • 💻 Users are required to meet certain prerequisites for Vanguard to function properly, or they won't be able to play the game.
  • 🛠️ The Vanguard error message can be bypassed using web browser techniques, but server-side checks prevent gameplay without it.
  • 📈 Vanguard's kernel-level access is a point of contention, but it does not send data until the League of Legends client is open.
  • 🔒 Users can disable Vanguard by rebooting in safe mode or using a command prompt, but a full PC restart is needed to play the game afterward.
  • 🎮 Custom skins, a community-created feature, were initially at risk of being flagged by Vanguard, but are currently functioning without issues.
  • 🐧 Linux users are affected by Vanguard, with no current solution other than dual-booting or using a virtual machine.
  • 🪟 Windows 11 users with TPM 2.0 may face additional hassle due to compatibility issues with Vanguard.
  • 🚫 There have been no reports of bans due to using custom skins since Vanguard's release, suggesting a more lenient approach by Riot.
  • ⚖️ While Vanguard is invasive for an anti-cheat system, its kernel-level operation is necessary to counteract increasingly sophisticated hacks.

Q & A

  • What is the name of the anti-cheat system introduced to League of Legends?

    -The anti-cheat system introduced to League of Legends is called Vanguard.

  • Why is Vanguard controversial among users?

    -Vanguard is controversial due to the significant access it has over a user's PC and concerns about potential risks and privacy issues.

  • What is the impact of Vanguard on the game's performance in terms of FPS?

    -In the isolated test mentioned in the script, Vanguard did not seem to impact the FPS to any noticeable extent.

  • What are the prerequisites for Vanguard to run properly?

    -Users must meet certain system requirements for Vanguard to run properly, or they won't be able to play the game.

  • How can users bypass the Vanguard error message on the league client?

    -The Vanguard error message can be bypassed by using web browser techniques such as inspect element to delete blocking elements, but this does not bypass server-side checks.

  • What is the extent of data Vanguard sends off?

    -Vanguard does not appear to have any network access until the League client is open, and it primarily sends data to confirm a valid anti-che session.

  • How can users disable the Vanguard kernel driver?

    -Users can disable the Vanguard kernel driver by opening the command prompt and typing a specific command, or by rebooting the PC in safe mode.

  • What is the impact of Vanguard on custom skins in League of Legends?

    -Custom skins have seemingly been cleared for use by Riot and are currently working fine without causing bans.

  • What challenges does Vanguard pose for Linux users in playing League of Legends?

    -Linux users are unable to play League of Legends with Vanguard, and potential workarounds include dual-booting to Mac or using a virtual machine.

  • What is the issue with Windows 11 users regarding Vanguard?

    -Windows 11 users with TPM 2.0 may face interactions with Vanguard that require changing BIOS settings, which can be a hassle for less tech-savvy users.

  • Why are kernel-level anti-cheats like Vanguard necessary?

    -Kernel-level anti-cheats are necessary to detect and prevent hacks that inject themselves into the game's memory by accessing system drivers at the kernel level.

  • What is the general stance on Vanguard in the context of the video?

    -While Vanguard as an anti-cheat system is not inherently bad, there are concerns about its invasiveness and the potential impact on the user experience and system security.

Outlines

00:00

🕹 Introduction to Vanguard and Its Impact on Performance

The video discusses the introduction of Riot's Vanguard anti-cheat system into League of Legends and the controversy surrounding it, particularly regarding its access to the user's PC. The script provides a comparison of FPS before and after Vanguard's release, showing no significant impact on performance. It also explores the prerequisites for Vanguard and how to bypass the initial screen without meeting them. The video goes on to examine the data Vanguard sends, using Wireshark to analyze network traffic and finding no transmission until the League client is open. The segment concludes with the presenter's personal stance on Vanguard, noting its potential issues and the temporary safety of custom skins.

05:00

🚫 Vanguard's Limitations and Community Impact

This paragraph delves into the broader implications of Vanguard on the League of Legends community, including the potential for it to flag custom skins as third-party programs. However, it is reported that custom skins are currently functioning without issue post-Vanguard's release. The video also addresses the challenges faced by Linux users, who are unable to use Vanguard and must find workarounds. Windows 11 users with TPM 2.0 face additional hurdles due to compatibility issues with Vanguard. The script acknowledges that while Vanguard as an anti-cheat isn't inherently bad, its kernel-level access and the arms race between cheats and anti-cheats have led to increased system invasion. The video ends with a teaser for a future discussion on a security breach related to a high-level anti-cheat driver.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Vanguard

Vanguard is a kernel-level anti-cheat system introduced by Riot Games into League of Legends. It is designed to detect and prevent cheating in the game by monitoring and controlling activities at a deep level within the operating system. In the video, Vanguard is a central topic of discussion, with the creator examining its impact on game performance, privacy concerns, and its compatibility with certain game modifications and operating systems.

💡FPS (Frames Per Second)

FPS refers to the number of frames a game can render per second, which is a common measure of the smoothness of gameplay. A higher FPS generally indicates a smoother gaming experience. In the context of the video, the creator compares the FPS before and after the implementation of Vanguard to assess whether the anti-cheat system has a noticeable impact on game performance.

💡Kernel-level access

Kernel-level access refers to the ability of a software program to operate at the core of an operating system, where it has the highest level of privileges and can interact with hardware directly. The video discusses Vanguard's kernel-level access as a point of concern for users due to the potential for data collection and the system's deep integration with the PC.

💡Custom skins

Custom skins are modifications created by the community that allow players to change the appearance of champions in League of Legends. The video mentions that Vanguard initially raised concerns about detecting these as third-party software, which could be flagged as cheating. However, the creator reports that Riot has confirmed custom skins are working without issues post-Vanguard's release.

💡Linux users

Linux users are individuals who use the Linux operating system. The video discusses how Vanguard has impacted Linux users by making it impossible for them to play League of Legends due to compatibility issues, suggesting they may need to dual boot to Mac or use a virtual machine as a workaround.

💡Windows 11

Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft's Windows operating system at the time of the video's recording. The script mentions that Windows 11 users, particularly those without TPM 2.0, may face additional hurdles when using Vanguard, such as needing to adjust BIOS settings, which could be problematic for less tech-savvy players.

💡TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module 2.0)

TPM 2.0 is a security feature that provides a secure environment for storing and protecting sensitive data, including encryption keys. The video discusses how TPM 2.0 interacts with Vanguard, noting that its absence can cause issues for players trying to use the anti-cheat system.

💡Command prompt

The command prompt is a text-based interface in Windows operating systems that allows users to execute commands and interact with the system. In the video, the creator demonstrates how to use the command prompt to quickly disable Vanguard's kernel driver, showcasing a method for users to regain control over their system.

💡Safe mode

Safe mode is a diagnostic mode of a computer operating system that starts the system with a minimal set of drivers and services. The video suggests using safe mode to disable third-party drivers, including Vanguard, as a way to troubleshoot or avoid conflicts with the anti-cheat system.

💡Wireshark

Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer that allows users to examine data traveling back and forth over a network. The video uses Wireshark to investigate the network activity of Vanguard, aiming to determine the extent of data Vanguard sends off, which is a concern for privacy reasons.

💡DLL (Dynamic Link Library)

DLL files are a feature of the Windows operating system that contain small programs that other programs can use. In the context of the video, the creator discusses how cheats often work by injecting code into DLL files to alter a game's behavior, which is why kernel-level anti-cheat systems like Vanguard are necessary to monitor and prevent such actions.

Highlights

Vanguard, Riot's kernel-level anti-cheat system, has been introduced to League of Legends.

Vanguard has sparked controversy due to the level of access it has over users' PCs.

Performance impact tests show no noticeable FPS drop with Vanguard enabled.

Vanguard requires certain prerequisites to run properly; failing to meet them prevents gameplay.

The Vanguard error message can be bypassed using web browser techniques, but server-side checks still apply.

Vanguard's data transmission begins only after the League of Legends client is opened.

Wireshark analysis reveals Vanguard has no network access until the game client is launched.

Vanguard can be disabled by users through a command prompt or by booting in safe mode.

Custom skins in League of Legends have been confirmed to work with Vanguard, avoiding bans.

Linux users are unable to play League with Vanguard, suggesting a need for workarounds like dual booting or virtual machines.

Windows 11 users with TPM 2.0 may face issues with Vanguard and need to adjust BIOS settings.

Kernel-level anti-cheat systems like Vanguard exist to counter in-memory game hacks by accessing system drivers.

Vanguard's invasive nature compared to other anti-cheats is due to its startup operation.

Disabling Vanguard requires a PC restart but ensures no data transmission until the game starts.

The necessity for kernel-level anti-cheat arises from the 'arms race' between undetectable hacks and invasive anti-cheat measures.

Riot's recent security breach highlights the potential risks of not having robust anti-cheat systems in place.

There's been no reported case of a ban due to Vanguard in the week since its release.

The presenter expresses personal concerns about Vanguard and kernel-level anti-cheat in general.

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