RIFT Integrates 'Warden' Like Anti-Cheat

[Dr. Doom]

We have been informed by a well-known source that RIFT is currently scanning your computer of all running processes for bots and hacks. At this moment, it is only innocent name-matching, however there is potential for much more malicious activity. Their anti-cheat also checks for loaded modules (DLLs) within the Rift.exe process itself, and scans for one notable, yet legitimate, module that all users should be aware of. Read on to learn more.

At the moment, Trion is not scanning, or doing anything seriously malicious, however with very small code-changes, this can change drastically. This includes reading the content of any open text window (emails, web page content, more importantly, private information such as SSNs, credit card numbers, etc.), as well as tracking such info. (Please, PLEASE do note; Trion is NOT currently scanning this info, however it is entirely possible) With that said, this does not mean there isn't a huge potential hole in any gamer's security, from a 3rd party source, or Trion themselves.


We referred to this as a "Warden" like anti-cheat because there were (and still are) major complaints when Blizzard's anti-cheat came to surface. [1]Warden was scanning window titles, which could obtain vital information you input into your computer. They no longer do it, as it posed a humungous security risk, which lead to them removing that part of their anti-cheat.


Trion is currently scanning for a few well known .exe's (the processes) and a few injected modules (dll's) for bots and hacks. One of the injected modules they are searching for, isn't even malicious, or a bot/hack in nature, which can cause a legit users to get banned from their services for no reason at all. The module they scan for? Mscoree.dll. This module is the main .NET library (it is basically the 'required' module to run any .NET based application, or any 'plugin' style module that uses .NET), and as such, is a legit module, which many, many, programs these days use. Including programs that use .NET to create "global hooks" (think of a global hotkey, etc.) However, since they are considering it a 'hack', they will eventually end up banning legit users. You have been warned, make sure you check every program you run to ensure you don't run the risk of getting banned for a legit program.


They aren't just catching botters and cheaters, but they are actually stepping outside of their own process, and are willing, and able, to scan anything running on your computer.


Should Trion have that much power? To allow a scanner that can potentially expose you and leave you without the slightest thought of knowing it ever happened? They may be catching botters and cheaters, but at what expense is it okay? Blizzard's Warden may have done this in the past, but they have limited themselves to what it can see and how the information is used. We may live in the 'Information Age' but definitely not the 'Invasion Age'. There will be more to come as we gain more information on the matter, thanks for reading! Let us know what you think on the matter, is it worth it to you? More updates to come.

[-Ryuk-]

It wont be long before they get in trouble about it.

[Dr. Doom]

Yeah we'll have to see, cause it's not really known by everybody that plays. Nor has their been information floating anywhere about it. OwnedCore exclusive :P

[hpdark]

A very sensitive issue. Much like the fingerprint/dna criminal record database. You know the one you get put into after you've been arrested the first time. It's a great system for the general public right? Well what's to stop them from collecting blood samples from every child born? No crime would go un-solved right? Every single person's DNA would be in the database, criminals would NEVER be able to get away with a crime again.

Sounds like a perfect world right?

**** NO! A little thing called 4th amendment which every single American should know (haha I bet 99% of you have no idea what it is) and SHAME!
The 4th amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, along with requiring any warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause.

Whatever ounce of day to day privacy you have left is because of this amendment. If you have police come over to your house, this amendment keeps them from walking through your front door, or preventing a cop from checking your pockets if he see's you walking down the sidewalk.

There's a line to crossing personal privacy and if I played rift I would be very worried about this.
Go bitch on their general forums, over-hype what they're scanning on your comp and freak people out. This is a major company that should be jumping hoops for your dollar. What's to stop them from going virus? Being able to check all your internet browsing habits, computer files, pictures (why not) etc.

Draw your line in the sand now and don't let them cross it simple as that.

[Dr. Doom]

Thanks for the great commentary hpdark, I agree fully. Glad you know your rights

[bigbugz]

A very sensitive issue. Much like the fingerprint/dna criminal record database. You know the one you get put into after you've been arrested the first time. It's a great system for the general public right? Well what's to stop them from collecting blood samples from every child born? No crime would go un-solved right? Every single person's DNA would be in the database, criminals would NEVER be able to get away with a crime again.

Sounds like a perfect world right?

**** NO! A little thing called 4th amendment which every single American should know (haha I bet 99% of you have no idea what it is) and SHAME!
The 4th amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, along with requiring any warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause.

Collecting your fingerprint, or DNA is hardly a search or seizure. The 4th amendment doesn't apply, especially with a supreme court with Antonine Scalia as a justice.
The laws against warrantless searches and seizures were created with the intent to protect you from harrasment. Like the police could otherwise just take your property indefinitely and put you out of business if you are a "troublemaker" ( someone they don't like ) for example.
Also have you noticed this little bill called the Patriot act?
You do realize that since it passed you are being wiretapped, searched and your property is seized without warrant. How about airport security? Isn't it unreasonable to search your body orifices, especially without a warrant?
I would be more worried about these than DNA, and fingerprint samples, or some stupid anti-cheat mechanizm.
Oh yea, have I mentioned "free speech zones"? Look up what they are.
So much for your rights....

( btw I am NOT an American, and wouldn't even want to be since the patriot act was passed )