Easy Anti-Cheat
Anti-cheat software
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) is a proprietary, kernel-level anti-cheat middleware service designed to detect and prevent cheating in online multiplayer PC games.[2] Originally developed by the Finnish company Kamu, it operates by deploying a combination of user-mode processes and a kernel-mode driver on Windows to monitor game integrity in real time. The software inspects running processes, scans game memory, validates file checksums, and can issue hardware-level bans to repeat offenders. It is distributed and maintained by Epic Games following the company's acquisition of Kamu in October 2018.[3]
Epic Games (2018–present)
| Easy Anti-Cheat | |
|---|---|
| Developers | Kamu (2013–2018) Epic Games (2018–present) |
| Release | September 19, 2006[1] |
| Written in | C++ and C |
| Operating system | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Platform | x86-64 |
| Included with | See list of games |
| Size | 40.9 MB |
| Type | Anti-cheat software |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | www |
At the time of the acquisition, Easy Anti-Cheat was already one of the most widely-used anti-cheat systems in the games industry, reportedly incorporated into more than 80 titles and installed on over 100 million PCs globally.[4] Following the takeover, Epic integrated EAC into its Epic Online Services (EOS) ecosystem and made the service freely available to game developers. The platform was subsequently expanded to support other platforms besides Windows, including macOS, Linux, and Valve's Steam Deck handheld via compatibility layers.
History
Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) originated in 2006, when two Finnish developers released an early version of the software under the Easy eSports brand for use with Counter-Strike 1.6, primarily serving competitive leagues and tournaments.[3] In 2013, the developers established Kamu, a Helsinki-based company to commercialize the technology.[4]
By 2018, the software had become widely used, incorporated into more than 80 games and installed on over 100 million PCs worldwide. On 8 October 2018, Epic Games acquired Kamu,[5] stating that it reflected the importance of anti-cheat technology in online games, and citing EAC's role in supporting Fortnite’s multiplayer ecosystem.[6] Following the acquisition, Epic established a development presence in Helsinki to recruit technology and talent in Finland.[7][8]
In 2020, the Windows version was made free to all game developers.[9] In September 2021, Epic announced support for Linux, macOS, and Steam Deck through the Epic Online Services Developer Portal, enabling compatibility with Wine and Proton.[10] In January 2022, Valve confirmed that EAC support on Steam Deck could be enabled without requiring integration with the broader Epic Online Services toolkit.[11]
Technology
Easy Anti-Cheat is middleware integrated into games during development.[12] On Windows, it uses both a kernel-mode driver and a user-mode process, allowing it to monitor game memory, running processes, system calls, and attempts to inject unauthorized code. It also verifies game files against a catalogue of expected checksums and can restrict online play if tampering is detected.
As its kernel driver operates at Ring 0, the highest privilege level on modern processors, Easy Anti-Cheat has extensive access to system resources. To hinder reverse engineering, Easy Anti-Cheat employs code obfuscation and runtime integrity checks. The software typically removes its drivers automatically when the last game using it is uninstalled.[13]
On Linux, Easy Anti-Cheat operates entirely in user space through the Wine or Proton compatibility layers and does not use a kernel driver, resulting in more limited detection capabilities than on Windows. A comparative study presented at the 19th International Conference on Availability, Reliability and Security (ARES 2024) found that Easy Anti-Cheat did not exhibit the rootkit-like characteristics identified in some competing anti-cheat systems, although the authors noted that all examined anti-cheat technologies raise broader questions regarding sacrificing user privacy to prevent cheats. The study also described Easy Anti-Cheat as more resistant to reverse engineering than BattlEye.[14]
Deployment and adoption
Following the 2018 Epic acquisition, Easy Anti-Cheat was integrated into the Epic Online Services ecosystem. Epic's decision to offer EAC for free to Windows developers, followed by the extension to Linux and macOS in 2021, significantly lowered the barrier to adoption and made it one of the most accessible commercial anti-cheat offerings available.[15]
Games using EAC span a broad range of publishers and genres. Major titles include Fortnite,[5] Apex Legends,[16] among many others. In April 2026, Rocket League developer Psyonix added EAC to its title while maintaining compatibility with SteamOS and Linux.[17]
Controversies
CVE-2021-47739
In December 2025, a security vulnerability affecting EAC version 4.0 on Windows, designated CVE-2021-47739, was publicly disclosed.[18] The flaw, categorised as an unquoted service path local privilege escalation, carried a CVSS score of 8.5.[19] Exploitation required pre-existing local access to the affected system. The vulnerability was addressed in updated versions of the software following disclosure.
Games using Easy Anti-Cheat
- Rust (2014)[20]
- 7 Days to Die (2016)
- Fortnite (2017)[21]
- Apex Legends (2019)[16]
- THE FINALS (2023)
- Elden Ring (2022)
- Lost Ark (2022)
- Dead by Daylight (2016)[22]
- Back 4 Blood (2021)
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 (2018)
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection (2019)[23]
- Halo Infinite (2021)[24]
- New World: Aeternum (2021)
- Rocket League (2026)[25]