i was right.

Summary

The video discusses the impact of Microsoft's plan to lock down the Windows kernel to prevent issues like the CrowdStrike outage, which grounded flights globally. This move could spell the end for kernel mode anti-cheat in gaming, which has been controversial due to its intrusive nature and potential security risks. The change may boost Linux gaming, as it levels the playing field by reducing the need for kernel-level access, making games more secure and less prone to the kind of vulnerabilities that could crash systems or be exploited by malware.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker expresses pride in being right about various predictions, including advising investment in Google in 2006 and advocating for dishwashers over clothes washers.
• 🔒 The discussion centers around the implications of the CrowdStrike incident, which caused a significant global disruption, and how it relates to the future of gaming on Windows and Linux.
• 🛠️ Microsoft is considering locking down the Windows kernel to prevent issues like the CrowdStrike outage, aiming to provide more security capabilities outside of kernel mode.
• 🎮 The gaming industry is debating the methods for detecting cheaters, with a focus on the differences between server-side and client-side anti-cheat solutions.
• 🛡️ Client-side anti-cheat solutions require privileged access to a computer's resources, which has raised concerns due to the potential security risks and the need for kernel mode access.
• 👨‍💻 The speaker cites a kernel developer's opinion on the dangers of kernel mode anti-cheat, emphasizing the historical context of kernel development and the risks associated with kernel-level access.
• 🚫 There's a pushback against kernel mode anti-cheat from the gaming community due to the level of system control it requires, which is seen as excessive for gaming purposes.
• 🔄 Microsoft's blog post suggests a move towards standardizing security sensors and reducing reliance on kernel mode code, which could have significant implications for the gaming industry.
• 🌐 The potential shift away from kernel mode anti-cheat could benefit Linux gaming, as it would level the playing field in terms of security requirements and reduce the need for kernel-level access.
• 🔍 The future of gaming security is likely to involve more standardized and less intrusive methods, with a focus on performance, security, and collaboration between developers and platform holders.

Q & A

What was the speaker's prediction about Google in 2006?

The speaker predicted that Google was a good investment and advised their mom to buy it in 2006.

What was the advice the speaker gave regarding washing t-shirts?

The speaker advised that t-shirts can be washed in the dishwasher instead of using a clothes washer.

What is the significance of the CrowdStrike incident mentioned in the script?

The CrowdStrike incident refers to a massive outage caused by a faulty update from their security product, Falcon, which had severe global consequences, including grounding flights and impacting businesses.

Why is Microsoft considering locking down the Windows kernel?

Microsoft is considering locking down the Windows kernel to prevent issues similar to the CrowdStrike incident, by providing more security capabilities outside of kernel mode.

What are the two main types of anti-cheat solutions discussed in the script?

The two main types of anti-cheat solutions discussed are server-side anti-cheat and client-side anti-cheat.

What is the primary concern with client-side anti-cheat solutions?

The primary concern with client-side anti-cheat solutions is that they require privileged access to a user's computer to function, which can be intrusive and poses security risks.

What is the role of the kernel in computer operations?

The kernel is the privileged code that runs the computer, manages resources, and controls hardware. It operates in a super privileged mode and is responsible for system-level operations.

Why are some game developers hesitant to create games for Linux?

Some game developers are hesitant to create games for Linux due to potential performance issues and the perception that Linux is more modifiable and thus less secure for anti-cheat measures.

What is the potential impact of removing kernel-level security software on Linux gaming?

Removing kernel-level security software could make Linux gaming more viable for developers, as it would require anti-cheat software to operate with user-level access, which is less intrusive and easier to emulate.

What is the proposed solution by Microsoft to handle security for gaming?

Microsoft is proposing to handle security for gaming through standardized security sensors or APIs that games can call from user mode, reducing the need for kernel mode code and increasing security.

What does the future of gaming on Windows and Linux look like according to the script?

The future of gaming on Windows and Linux may involve a shift away from kernel mode anti-cheat software, leading to potentially more secure and less intrusive gaming experiences across both platforms.