Prevention of cheating in on-line interaction

Abstract

A method for preventing cheating by users of client computers running a network game program includes installing a monitoring program, independent of the network game program, on a group of the client computers so as to detect, using the monitoring program, an anomalous use of an asset of at least one of the client computers that is indicative of an attempt to cheat in the game program. A message is conveyed over a network to a server from each of at least some of the client computers in the group. The message from each such client computer indicates that the monitoring program has been actuated on the client computer. Responsively to the message, the client computers receive a message from the server at the client computer indicating which ones of the client computers have actuated the monitoring program.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 850,223, filed Sep. 5, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60 / 842,653, filed Sep. 5, 2006. Both of these related applications are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to computer systems and software, and specifically to detection of cheating in on-line interactions, such as games.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Cheating is defined as an act of lying, deception, fraud, trickery, imposture, or imposition. Cheating is typically employed to create an unfair advantage, often at the expense of others. Fraud is a particular type of cheating, in which a victim is illegally deceived for the personal gain of the perpetrator.

[0004] Cheating is rampant in on-line games, due to the relatively poor security of most game programs and the permissive atmosphere created by the m...

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