This document discusses cheating and exploits in online games. It begins by providing background on the gaming industry and types of games. It then describes two main types of cheating: exploiting game play mechanics and modifying game data. Exploits of game play include lag switching and stacking abilities. Modifying game data involves hacking for speed or aiming advantages. Cheating provides an unfair advantage and is motivated by the real-world value of in-game wealth or competitive prizes. Game developers try to prevent cheating through detection, patching vulnerabilities, and monitoring games. Overall, online game security faces similar challenges to other systems in identifying and addressing threats.

1. Online Games and SecurityCause and Effects of CheatingJason Tang20224466July 6, 2011

2. ContentsGaming IndustryCheating/ExploitsExamples with DetectionGame Play ExploitsModifying Game dataUnfair AdvantageMotivationPreventionApplication

3. Gaming IndustryPlaying Games – PC vs ConsoleDistributionExamplesConstraintsVariables

4. ExploitsGame PlayModifying Game DataCheatingAn action that a player takes to achieve an objective that he/she should not have been able to and gives him/her an unfair advantage

5. Game Play ExploitsHow? Why?LaggingBindingStackingProgram BugsFarming

6. Modifying Game DataHow? Why?Speed HackingUsing BotsAimingFarmingAuto-programmingAccount Hacking

7. Unfair Advantage?Advantageous but not Unfair

8. Unfair Advantage?

9. Unfair Advantage?Image from: http://www.morearnings.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/wow-horde-level-59-1.jpg

10. Unfair Advantage?Image from: http://www.morearnings.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/wow-horde-level-59-1.jpg

11. MotivationEVE Online170 million ISK  $170,000 USDStarCraft II$100,000 USD Grand PrizeWorld of WarCraft1000 gold  $12.50 USD

12. PreventionDetectingPatchingMonitoring

13. ApplicationOnline game security is similar to internal controls in that problems must first be identified, then modified and monitoredThe gaming industry is becoming more mainstream and by staying informed one may be able to capitalize on its growth.

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