Speed Hacking in Gaming Apps and How to Prevent It

Speed hacking in gaming apps is a highly debated and controversial practice involving manipulating a game’s mechanics to gain an unfair advantage. This form of cheating, often executed with the help of third-party software, allows players to alter the speed at which the game operates, disrupting normal gameplay and breaking boundaries within the game.

While some players may use speed hacking to overcome difficult levels or quickly collect resources, it presents significant challenges. It disrupts the game’s balance, negatively impacts other players’ gaming experiences, and frequently violates game developers’ terms of service, potentially resulting in severe penalties.

Additionally, using speed hacking software often exposes users to malware or spyware threats, putting their security at risk.

In this article, we delve into the complex world of speed hacking by exploring its technical aspects and implications for mobile gaming while also examining efforts made by developers to prevent these practices from occurring.

What is Speed Hacking in Gaming Apps?

Speed hacking in gaming apps is a technique that can give players an unfair advantage by manipulating the game’s rules and mechanics. It acts as a cheat tool by altering the internal clock speed of the game, enabling characters to move at an accelerated pace. This allows players to gain a significant strategic advantage over others in gameplay.

Speed hacking in gaming apps is closely tied to system calls, a collection of functions used by applications, including games, to communicate with the operating system’s kernel. These system calls allow programs to access various services from the operating system, like memory allocation, file manipulation, and process management.

By altering the system call that interacts with the system clock, these hackers can change various aspects of gameplay, such as increasing character speed or reducing recovery time after setbacks. This unethical practice allows them to gain an unfair advantage and disrupt the intended balance and fairness of the game.

In addition, speed hacking techniques can involve manipulating the system calls that govern memory management. Hackers can manipulate game values or logic by modifying how the game allocates and utilizes memory. For instance, they may alter a system call to inaccurately report the amount of ammunition remaining when a weapon is fired, allowing the player to gain ammo instead of losing it.

The manipulation of gaming speed can dramatically impact the game’s mechanics, giving hackers an unfair advantage. This showcases the impressive capabilities of system calls and highlights the potential vulnerabilities they can pose if not adequately protected and secured.

How does a speed hacker speed hack?

Speed Hackers hack games to get an unfair advantage over other players.

To better understand the process of speed hacking, let’s break it down into simple step-by-step process:

• Understanding Game Mechanics

  The initial step in this process involves grasping the timing mechanics of the game. It is essential to comprehend how the game’s rendering is synchronized, considering that it typically renders 60 frames per second. A thorough examination reveals that on a Windows system, the function “GetTickCount()” serves as the internal timer for the game, measuring the number of milliseconds that have elapsed since the system’s startup.

• Role of the Timing Function

  The hacker discovers a vulnerability in the game’s system where it relies on a timer to generate new frames. If the time between frames exceeds 16.6ms, a new frame is created, but if less time has passed, the game proceeds with its regular operations. This flaw allows the hacker to exploit and manipulate certain aspects of the game.

• The Hacker’s Objective

  The objective is straightforward – to manipulate the timing mechanism to control the game’s speed. By doing so, the hacker’s character will be able to move faster, react more quickly to events, and gather in-game resources more efficiently.

• Use of Hacking Tools

  To achieve this objective, the hacker utilizes powerful tools to inject code into the game process while running. This enables them to manipulate and modify the timing functions of the game.

• Manipulation of “Ticks”

  The hacker uses injected code to modify the “GetTickCount()” function, causing it to provide accelerated time measurements. The frames are rendered faster by deceiving the game into perceiving a longer duration than what has elapsed. As a result, from the hacker’s point of view, the game appears to be running at an increased speed.

• Outcome of the Hack

  The hacker’s modifications have clearly impacted the game. The character moves at an accelerated pace, actions are executed with increased speed, and as a result, the hacker has gained a significant advantage over other players.

Although speed hacking may be enticing from a technical perspective, it’s crucial to remember that engaging in such activities is considered cheating and goes against the terms of service of any game.

How to detect speed hackers?

To block and prevent Speed hacking, identifying a player or user using cheating methods like speed hacker becomes crucial. So here is how you can identify a cheater using speed hacking –

Server-Side Verification:

Scripts play a crucial role in ensuring fair gameplay by verifying important game actions on the server-side. They compare the timing of these actions with what is logically possible within the game’s rules. When an action is performed faster than allowed, the script identifies it as potential speed hacking. By evaluating game actions against logical possibilities, any action executed at an unnaturally fast pace can be detected and addressed as a characteristic of speed hacking. This helps maintain the integrity and fairness of the gaming experience for all players involved.

Consistency Checks:

Scripts play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of game states by conducting periodic consistency checks. These checks involve examining the frequency of actions or changes in player attributes, such as health or resources. By doing so, scripts can identify any unnatural fluctuations that may indicate speed hacking. Speed hacking often leads to abnormal shifts in-game activities, but with periodic consistency checks in place, these irregularities can be efficiently detected and addressed.

Memory and System Monitoring

By monitoring system information and memory, it is possible to identify signs of tampering. This includes detecting any abnormal values or processes that are associated with speed hacking tools. When these indicators are detected, the script can automatically activate protective measures such as suspending the offending process or notifying the user. Speed hacking tools often manipulate system memory or operate through specific processes, and by keeping an eye on these elements, we can effectively detect any anomalies that may indicate unauthorized activity.

Hash Verification

Scripts are powerful tools that generate hashes of game files and then compare those hashes to the original ones. This process allows for detecting any discrepancies, which could indicate tampering or attempts at speed hacking within the game. It’s important to note that speed hacking often involves modifying game files, so any differences in file hashes indicate a potential hacking attempt. This method allows developers and administrators to effectively identify and address security breaches in their games.

Telemetry Analysis

By utilizing telemetry data, advanced scripts can detect and analyze irregularities in player behavior that may suggest the use of speed hacking. Once these abnormal patterns are identified, the script can automatically initiate additional investigations or implement protective measures to safeguard the game’s integrity. Speed hacking often leads to a typical gameplay patterns, making them distinguishable through a thorough analysis of telemetry data.

Detecting Debugging Tools

Scripts are critical in identifying and thwarting hacking attempts by detecting common debugging tools often used by hackers to inject malicious code into running processes. By incorporating these scripts into your system, you can ensure that if any of these tools are detected, the game will be programmed to shut down or adjust its behavior accordingly to prevent further exploitation.

Top 3 Speed Hacking Tools and How to stop each tool

Speed Hacking is a method of hacking games and tools that help in speed hacking must be stopped. Here are the top 3 Speed Hacking tool you must know about and make sure your game can block such tools –

GameGuardian

It is a tool with immense speed hacking capabilities that can potentially disrupt the integrity of gaming environments. However, developers have various strategies at their disposal to counteract or even prevent its negative impact. Here are some effective strategies to consider:

Server-Side Logic and Verification

To effectively address the various capabilities of GameGuardian, it is recommended to implement a proactive approach by shifting a significant portion of game logic to the server-side. This entails conducting thorough verification of all crucial actions on the server, rendering it impossible for clients to manipulate or falsify these actions. By granting the server ultimate authority over the game’s state, any attempts at unauthorized modification are thwarted, ensuring a more secure and reliable gaming experience.

• Obfuscation and Encryption

  In order to prevent the tool’s search capabilities, game data and memory can be intentionally scrambled and protected with encryption. This strategy creates significant obstacles for tools like GameGuardian, as it becomes increasingly challenging for them to locate and alter specific values.

• Consistency Checks

  Performing regular consistency checks is essential to identify any unauthorized modifications. These checks play a crucial role in detecting potential hacking attempts within the game. For instance, if a user’s HP, SP, or in-game currency changes rapidly or in ways that violate the game’s rules, this could be an indication of someone trying to hack into the system

• Detect and Respond

  To identify the use of hacking tools such as GameGuardian, a comprehensive approach involving memory monitoring, system checks, and process examination can be employed. When these tools are detected, the game has several options for response. It could automatically shut down to prevent further exploitation, display a warning message to inform users about the consequences of cheating, or even report the suspicious activity to the developers for investigation and appropriate action.

• Hash Verification

  By employing this strategy, the game’s code and data files undergo a hashing process, ensuring their integrity. Regular checks are then conducted to compare these hashes. If there is any tampering or alterations made by GameGuardian, the resulting hashes will not match those originally generated, effectively detecting unauthorized modifications

• Behavior Analysis

  Developers have the ability to analyze player behavior and identify any unusual patterns that deviate from normal gameplay, such as excessively gaining resources at an unrealistic speed. These irregularities serve as red flags and can prompt further investigation or immediate action to maintain fair and balanced gameplay for all users.

• Updates and Patching

  Frequent game updates serve as an effective measure to hinder the functionality of hacking tools. With each update, the game’s code is altered, making existing hacks ineffective until hackers can decipher and adjust their tools to match the new code. This ongoing effort helps maintain the integrity and security of the game for all players.

• Community Reporting

  Promoting a culture of reporting and addressing suspicious activities among players is crucial for detecting and preventing hacking in games. When the gaming community remains vigilant, it becomes a powerful tool in upholding the integrity of the game

While no system can guarantee absolute security, implementing multiple strategies concurrently can greatly increase the protection of a game against tools such as GameGuardian. AppSealing’s multiple layers of security keeps you safe from GameGuardian and similar types of speed hacking tools. You can read a detailed GameGaurdian article and how AppSealing Blocks it here.

Game Speeder

With its ability to alter the game speed, Game Speeder creates an imbalanced gaming environment and undermines the intended gameplay experience. However, there are effective strategies available to counteract the negative impact of tools like Game Speeder:

• Server-Side Time Verification

  One of the key benefits of Game Speeder is its capability to alter game time. However, it’s important to implement server-side time checks to ensure a fair gaming environment. This means the server will constantly monitor and compare the actual game time with the client’s recorded time. If there are any noticeable differences between the two, it could indicate that a player is using Game Speeder or similar techniques to manipulate gameplay speed.

• Consistency Checks

  To ensure a fair and balanced gaming experience, it is essential to implement in-game consistency checks. By monitoring the progression of game events, we can detect any anomalies that may indicate speed tampering. For example, if a character reaches a location at an impossible speed, this should trigger an alert to investigate further.

• Anti-Cheat Software

  Implementing anti-cheat software is essential to ensure a fair gaming experience. By using advanced technology, such as system-level monitoring, these software programs can effectively detect any irregularities in game speed. This includes identifying alterations made by external tools like Game Speeder.

• Detect Alteration Tools

  To ensure fair gameplay, it is important to implement mechanisms that can detect common game alteration tools. This can be done by regularly checking for known processes running in the background, such as Game Speeder, often used to modify game settings.

• Educate Players

  Many players may not be aware of its negative impacts on gameplay and the potential penalties they may face. By informing them, we can discourage some players from using these tools and promote fair and enjoyable gaming experiences for all.

• Game Updates

  Frequent game updates pose a challenge for speed alteration tools as they struggle to maintain compatibility. As a result, the effectiveness of Game Speeder may be limited until it adapts to these new updates.

It is important to acknowledge that completely preventing speed hacking by Game Speeder can be challenging.

However, by implementing these strategies and enforcing strict penalties, we can significantly reduce their impact. You can try AppSealing’s 30 day free trial to see how your gaming apps can be protected in runtime.

SB Master

Developers can implement various strategies to ensure a fair gaming environment and prevent players from gaining unfair advantages by using the SB GameHacker App. By implementing these strategies, developers can uphold integrity in their games and provide an enjoyable experience for all players:

• In-Game Value Monitoring

  Regularly monitoring in-game values is crucial for identifying anomalies that may indicate hacking activity. For example, if the attack points of certain weapons or a player’s speed far exceed the expected maximum values, it could be a clear indication of unauthorized tampering with the game.

• Behavior Analysis

  Leverage the power of machine learning algorithms to deeply analyze player behavior. By implementing these intelligent algorithms, you can effectively train them to recognize and highlight behaviors that deviate significantly from what is considered normal. This encompasses anomalies such as unusually rapid progress rates, unexpected score increases, or seemingly supernatural player abilities.

• Ads Interaction

  If your game relies on ads for generating revenue and you notice that SB GameHacker is preventing these ads from being displayed, it’s important to closely monitor the frequency of ad interactions. If a player has never interacted with an ad, it could be a sign that they are using an ad-blocking tool such as SB GameHacker.

• File Integrity Checks

  To ensure the security and reliability of your game files, it is essential to regularly perform file integrity checks. These checks help identify any unauthorized alterations or modifications made by external tools. If the integrity check fails, it indicates that there may have been unauthorized changes to your game files by some external sources.

• Network Traffic Analysis

  To ensure the integrity of your game, it is essential to closely monitor network traffic. By keeping an eye out for any abnormal packets, such as unusual data requests or modifications, you can detect potential cheating tools like SB GameHacker being used.

• Advanced Anti-Cheat Systems

  Utilize cutting-edge anti-cheating systems that can identify and detect a diverse range of cheats, such as memory manipulation and speed hacks. These advanced systems are designed to actively scan for well-known cheating tools while monitoring any suspicious alterations within the game.

• Player Reporting System

  Boost the strength and trust within your gaming community by incorporating a player reporting system. This valuable tool allows players to report suspected hackers, ensuring their concerns are addressed and thoroughly investigated.

The battle against game hacking is a constant one, and it requires game developers to continuously adapt their strategies as new cheating tools emerge. However, by implementing these effective strategies, game developers can ensure a fair gaming environment for all players.

How AppSealing Prevents Speed Hacking in Android Applications

AppSealing is capable of countering well-known speed hacking methods and is prepared to identify and combat new, emerging hacking techniques.

Integrating Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) takes AppSealing’s capabilities to a whole new level. With RASP, AppSealing can provide dynamic and real-time defense without requiring any extra coding or modifications from game developers. This means that developers can focus on creating their games without worrying about implementing additional security measures.

To curb the rampant exploitation of speed hacking in gaming apps, AppSealing employs a strategic three-step approach to efficiently detect and prevent speed hacking, thereby ensuring a fair and balanced gaming environment for all players.

Blacklist Management

The initial step in the AppSealing protocol involves effectively managing a comprehensive blacklist. This carefully curated list consists of known third-party applications, software, and other tools that have been identified as potential sources for speed hacking.

When a game protected by AppSealing is launched, our tool undergoes a thorough scan of the operating system to check for any active processes or applications present on this blacklist. If such a process or application is detected, our tool immediately takes pre-emptive action by displaying a warning message to the user and forcefully shutting down the game. This proactive approach effectively halts any potential speed hacking attempts and serves as a deterrent to discourage players from utilizing blacklisted applications.

Periodic System Information and Memory Monitoring

The second step involves continually monitoring system information and memory. AppSealing works in the background, persistently scanning the game’s memory and the system’s information to detect any abnormal activity that might indicate speed hacking.

For instance, if the tool detects that the game’s internal clock speed has been altered or that the game’s memory values are inconsistent with what they should be under normal conditions, it recognizes this as a speed modification attempt. Upon such detection, AppSealing displays a toast message alerting the user of the identified anomaly and closes the game within seconds. This prevents hackers from manipulating the gameplay and maintains fair play conditions.

Critical Cheat Tool Behavior and Feature Detection

Detection of the behavior and features of critical cheat tools in AppSealing, involves sophisticated behavior monitoring and pattern recognition techniques. AppSealing examines the processes and system calls on the device for patterns that resemble those made by known cheat tools.

For example, suppose a process attempts to inject code into the game or alter the game’s memory in a way that mirrors known cheat tool behavior. In that case, AppSealing identifies this as a cheating attempt. As in the previous steps, AppSealing swiftly shows a toast message and closes the game within seconds upon detecting a cheat tool’s behaviors and features. This timely response prevents the cheat tool from executing its intended action and maintains the integrity of the game.

AppSealing prevents and blocks most types of game cheating tools and methods like Cheating emulators, Bypassing payments. Reverse engineering/Hacking user data, Creating illegal server copies, Manipulating game data, Earning cash without playing. These game cheating methods just like speed hacking are fraudulent and should not be used. To protect your game from such scammers, you can use a RASP based end to end mobile game application protector like AppSealing.

You can check use cases to better understand how AppSealing has helped gaming companies in their App security journey here.